Vehicle of murdered Kruger couple may have been driven into Mozambique, SANParks says

Summary: Investigators believe the vehicle belonging to a Mossel Bay couple found murdered in the Pafuri section of Kruger National Park may already have been driven across the border into Mozambique, SANParks says.

What authorities have said so far

Retired couple Ernst Marais, 71, and Dina Marais, 73, were found dead on 22 May in the remote Pafuri area after failing to return to camp.

The couple’s vehicle is a green Ford Ranger double cab. According to Thesouthafrican, SANParks says investigators suspect the bakkie may already be in Mozambique.

Evidence and border concerns

Thesouthafrican reports that, according to SANParks, security camera footage confirmed the bakkie did not leave through any of Kruger’s nine access gates or two official border posts into Mozambique. Rangers later discovered tyre tracks near the crime scene that are believed to indicate a vehicle had been driven through the bush, over a fence and into Mozambique, though authorities say there is no confirmation the tracks belong to the missing Ford Ranger.

The killings occurred near Crooks Corner in the Pafuri region, where the borders of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique meet an area SANParks and police say raises concern for cross-border criminal activity.

Park response and family contact

Thesouthafrican says SANParks described the murders as unprecedented in the reserve’s history, stating this was the first incident of its kind ever recorded in the more than two-million-hectare reserve. The outlet also reports SANParks told officials the Marais family said the couple were experienced, long-standing Kruger visitors who strictly followed park rules.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp has contacted the family to offer condolences. SANParks board members, senior management and senior SAPS officials have also visited relatives as investigations continue.

Increased security measures

Thesouthafrican reports SANParks has announced additional safety measures in the Nxanatseni North Region, including increased ranger deployments, enhanced monitoring and upgraded surveillance technology. SANParks has said the park remains a safe destination and that security systems remain in place across the reserve.

Investigation status

Police are continuing their investigation into the murders and the possible hijacking of the vehicle. Authorities have not confirmed that the tyre tracks belong to the missing Ford Ranger, and no further forensic or investigative details have been released in the reporting.