SANParks tightens Kruger security after double murder in Pafuri

SANParks tightens security in Kruger after double murder in Pafuri

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced additional safety measures in the Kruger National Park following the killing of a Mossel Bay couple in the Pafuri region.

What happened

The bodies of Ernst Marais, 71, and his wife Dina Marais, 73, were found on Friday, 22 May in the remote Pafuri section after an extensive search operation. The retired couple, described by their family as regular visitors who followed park rules, had failed to return to camp, prompting staff concern.

Investigation and vehicle disappearance

Investigators are probing the disappearance of the couple’s vehicle, a green Ford Ranger double cab. Gate security camera footage showed the bakkie did not exit through any of Kruger’s nine access gates or two border posts into Mozambique. Rangers later found tyre tracks near the scene that are believed to show a vehicle driven through the bush, over a fence and into Mozambique, although officials said it has not been confirmed whether those tracks belong to the missing vehicle.

New safety measures

As the South African Police Service continues to lead the investigation, SANParks said it is implementing new risk mitigation measures in the Nxanatseni North Region. These measures include deploying additional ranger patrols and monitoring teams in identified high-risk areas, and strengthening surveillance and early-warning technology systems.

SANParks statements and reassurances

The agency described the incident as unprecedented. SANParks said the tragedy was the first incident of its kind ever recorded in the more than two-million-hectare reserve. It also said that existing technology had already assisted investigators in tracking the movements of the missing vehicle, though operational details were kept confidential for security reasons.

“Across its vast landscape, Kruger National Park remains a very safe area to visit and work at with effective security protocols that remain in place,” SANParks said.

Support for the family

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, contacted the family to offer condolences. SANParks board members, senior management and police leadership also visited relatives to provide support.

Ongoing investigation

Authorities reiterated that no further details will be released while police investigations continue. The South African Police Service is leading the probe.