Two Suspects Charged in Kruger Murder Case

Two individuals from Mozambique have been apprehended for the murders of a couple from the Western Cape, who were tragically killed in the Kruger National Park last month.

The victims have been identified as 73-year-old Dina Marais and her 71-year-old husband Ernst Marais, both from Mossel Bay.

The couple entered the park on 17 May 2026 to celebrate Dina’s birthday, but were reported missing on Wednesday morning near the Pafuri picnic site.

Unfortunately, their bodies were discovered floating at Cross Corner along the banks of the Levubu River near its confluence with the Limpopo River on Friday, 22 May.

Their vehicle, a green double-cab Ford Ranger, has not been located.

Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, spokesperson for the Limpopo police, reported that a coordinated cross-border investigation involving the SAPS, Mozambican law enforcement, SANParks, and other stakeholders led to the capture of the two suspects.

Identified as 32 and 33-year-old Mozambican nationals, the suspects were arrested in Mozambique and have been positively linked to the crime.

Mashaba stated: “The stolen vehicle belonging to the victims, a Ford Ranger double cab, was recovered on 26 May 2026 in Chókwè, Mozambique.”

“The recovery of the vehicle resulted in the arrest of the first suspect in Chókwè on Monday, 1 June 2026, while the second suspect was apprehended in the city of Xai-Xai, Gaza province, on Tuesday, 2 June 2026.”

The suspects are facing charges of murder and hijacking, with the possibility of additional charges as the investigation progresses.

They are set to appear in court in Maputo, Mozambique.