Kruger National Park Murders: Police Arrest Two Suspects After Mossel Bay Couple Killed
- The South African Police Service made a breakthrough in the investigation into the murders of two tourists
- Ernst and Dina Marais, a couple from Mossel Bay, were found dead in a remote area of the Kruger National Park
- The couple's vehicle, which was stolen and driven into Mozambique, led to police making headway in the case
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Source: UGC
LIMPOPO – Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of a couple in the Kruger National Park.
Ernst (71) and Dina Marais (73) were found dead on 22 May 2026, two days after they were last seen alive. Their bodies were found floating on the banks of the Luvuvhu River near the Mozambique border intersection. They had been stabbed numerous times with a sharp object.
The couple's green Ford Ranger double-cab bakkie was allegedly traced crossing illegally into Mozambique, through the park's fence.
More arrests are expected
On Wednesday, 03 June 2026, police confirmed that two suspects were arrested in connection with the murders. The suspects are both Mozambican nationals. who were arrested in Mozambique.
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The first suspect was nabbed in Chókwè on Monday, 01 June 2026, while the second suspect was arrested in Xai-Xai city, Gaza province, on Tuesday, 02 June 2026.
Police also expect to make more arrests as detectives pursue additional leads. The case has sparked widespread concern about the safety of tourists in one of the country’s most important tourism and heritage sites.
South Africans share mixed reactions to the news
Social media users shared mixed reactions to the news of the arrests, with some noting that the suspects are foreign nationals who committed a crime in South Africa.
Nonhlanhla Mthethwa said:
Now people will understand March and March’s cries. Yes, we have our own criminals, but foreigners are adding to this problem, hence a plea for them to go back. Abahambe, to get a chance to deal with our in-house criminals properly and decisively. May these two South Africans continue to rest in peace. Condolences to their families. Your cry is our cry.”
Buycash Khumbeni pondered:
“I did hear on SAFM that those two guys are from Mozambique. I wonder what Julius Malema and the SA Human Rights Commission will say now about their brothers.”
Magezi Manjhani added:
“At least there's progress in nabbing the suspects. Those marauding criminals must be brought to justice.”
Thabo Segone stated:
“This is why marchers are chasing illegal people out of SA. If they don’t go, worse things will come for them.”
Lawrence Wardle exclaimed:
“Well done on the arrest. Throw away the keys.”
Mossel Bay retirement community mourns couple's murder
Briefly News also reported that the Mossel Bay retirement community was in mourning and in shock after the murder of the couple.
Residents of Fynbos Heights retirement village in Mossel Bay put support structures in place to help residents and relatives cope with the trauma.
The Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism in Limpp conveyed its condolences to the couple's friends and family.
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Source: Briefly News
