Is Kruger Park safe? Fears rise after murder of tourists

Visitors’ safety questioned after two tourists found dead in Kruger

Concern over visitor safety in the Kruger National Park has intensified after the discovery of the bodies of two tourists in the park’s northern region. The discovery prompted a police manhunt and renewed calls for clarity and tighter security measures.

What happened

The victims were identified as Ernst and Dina Marais. They booked into a Kruger camp on Sunday last week and were last seen on Wednesday at the Pafuri picnic site. They were found dead on Friday near Crooks Corner, at the intersection of the Levubu and Limpopo Rivers in the park.

According to the report, police have opened two counts of murder and hijacking and have launched a manhunt for suspects.

Official response from SANParks and police

SANParks management said it was doing everything in its power to protect visitors following the discovery. KNP rangers followed tyre tracks near the scene that led away through the bush and over the fence into Mozambique, and gate cameras showed the missing car did not exit via any of the park’s nine access gates or the two international border posts, the report said.

The police confirmed a search operation was launched after the couple failed to return to camp. Rangers were alerted after other tourists found the two bodies, and it was established the tourists’ vehicle was missing from the scene.

Shock and calls for action

SANParks described the incident as unprecedented in the park’s history.

“No similar occurrence has yet been recorded in its 100-year history.”

Citizen

That characterisation that the park spans more than two million hectares and shares a combined 374km border with Mozambique and Zimbabwe was also reported by the Citizen.

AfriForum’s chief spokesperson for community safety, Jacques Broodryk, urged authorities to treat the investigation as a matter of national importance and to use all available resources to establish the facts and bring those responsible to justice.

“AfriForum extends its condolences to the loved ones of the two tourists who tragically lost their lives… We call on the authorities to treat the investigation as a matter of national importance.”

Support for the family and next steps

SANParks said it would assist the family with transport to Limpopo as well as accommodation and repatriation costs. Senior police management had visited the next of kin to extend condolences.

The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear and investigations are ongoing. Police continue their search for suspects, and authorities have been urged to provide transparency and regular updates to the public and visitors to the park.