SANParks tightens security after fatal Pafuri incident in Kruger National Park
South African National Parks (SANParks) says it is strengthening safety measures in the Kruger National Park following the discovery of two tourists’ bodies in the Pafuri section last week.
The bodies were found on Friday, in what the organisation has described as an unprecedented incident in the park’s 100-year history.
SANParks spokesperson JP Louw says the entity is continuing to mourn the loss.
"This incident is unprecedented in the more than 2-million-hectare park; no similar occurrence has ever been recorded in its 100-year history."
Louw confirmed that government and park leadership have reached out to the victims’ family, including Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Willie Aucamp.
"The Minister phoned the family to convey his condolences, while SANParks leadership and SAPS also visited the next of kin to offer support."
He added that the victims were experienced visitors to the Park.
"The family shared that the couple were long-standing, deeply committed visitors to Kruger who strictly adhered to park rules and would never have placed themselves at risk."
According to SANParks, preliminary findings suggest the couple’s vehicle may have been taken out of the park through an illegal route.
"Gate security cameras prove that the missing car did not exit through any of the nine access gates or the two international border posts.
"In the vicinity of the crime scene, rangers followed what they believed to be tyre tracks pointing to a vehicle driven through the bush, over the fence and into Mozambique."
However, Louw cautioned that this has not yet been conclusively confirmed.
"There is, however, no confirmation that the tracks are of the missing vehicle."
While the South African Police Service leads the investigation, SANParks says it is already implementing additional risk mitigation measures in the Nxanatseni North region.
"These actions will reinforce our ongoing commitment to visitor safety and operational readiness."
He outlined that measures include deploying additional rangers and strengthening surveillance systems.
"We are deploying additional monitoring and ranger resources in specific areas of concern and enhancing technology systems to strengthen surveillance and early warning capabilities."
Louw also confirmed that technology played a key role in the early stages of the investigation.
"Existing technology systems assisted in identifying the vehicle linked to the missing tourists, reflecting sustained investment in modern technology to combat illegal activities."
Despite the incident, SANParks has reassured the public that the park remains safe.
"Kruger National Park remains a very safe area to visit and work in, with effective security protocols in place," Louw said.
He emphasised that SANParks will continue to support SAPS and provide updates as confirmed information becomes available.
"We remain committed to supporting SAPS as the lead investigating authority, sharing verified information, and ensuring the safety of visitors, staff and wildlife."
SANParks says it will not release further details at this stage to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
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