Kruger National Park Murders: Police Arrest Third Mozambican National After Cross-Border Manhunt
- The South African Police Service has made another breakthrough in the investigation into the murders of a Mossel Bay couple
- Two men were initially arrested for the murder of Ernst and Dina Marais, who were found dead in a remote area of the Kruger National Park
- Acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, provided an update as police traced a third suspect
Source: UGC
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
LIMPOPO – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has made another breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of a couple at the Kruger National Park.
Acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, confirmed that a third suspect was arrested on Friday, 12 June 2026. The suspect, a 26-year-old Mozambican national, was arrested in Zimbabwe after he attempted to flee by crossing the border.
The suspect is expected to be deported to Mozambique, where he will join the other two men who were arrested. 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 indicated that investigations would continue as authorities prepare to prosecute the men for the murders.
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Multiple regional agencies responsible for the arrest
General Dimpane also noted that the third suspect crossed into Zimbabwe after his accomplices were arrested and was later tracked down and apprehended thanks to coordinated intelligence efforts by multiple regional agencies.
SAPS, SANParks, Mozambique’s Criminal Investigation Directorate (SERNIC) and the Zimbabwe Republic Police all worked together to locate the suspect and effect an arrest.
Speaking about the arrest, General Dimpane said that it sent a strong message to criminals about the strength of regional policing cooperation.
“Through the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO), Southern African Development Community member countries continue to share intelligence, coordinate operations and support one another in ensuring that criminals have no safe haven within our region,” she said.
Why were the men arrested?
The three men were arrested in connection with the murders of Ernst (71) and Dina Marais (73). The couple 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.
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
