Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has expressed condolences following the discovery of the bodies of a South African couple in the Kruger National Park, amid a police investigation now treating the case as murder and hijacking.
The victims have been identified as Dina Marais (73) and Ernst Marais (71) from Mossel Bay. Their bodies were recovered from the Levubu River in the northern section of the park.
De Lille said she was saddened by the incident and extended sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased.
“The safety of all travellers is of utmost importance to the tourism industry. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the victims,” she said.
South African National Parks (SANParks) spokesperson Reynold Thakhuli said the incident was “unprecedented” in the park’s long history, noting that investigations were ongoing in collaboration with police.
The couple was last seen on Wednesday morning, 20 May, at the Pafuri picnic site in the northern area of the park. After they failed to return to their camp, a search operation was launched.
On Friday afternoon, tourists reported seeing two bodies floating in the Levubu River near Crooks Corner, prompting authorities to recover the remains.
Limpopo provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe confirmed that preliminary findings indicate both victims were attacked.
“The male victim sustained stab wounds to the upper body, while the female victim also suffered severe upper-body injuries, allegedly inflicted with a sharp object,” Hadebe said.
Police have opened cases of murder and hijacking. The victims’ vehicle, a green Ford Ranger double cab, remains missing.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp said he had been briefed and was engaging SANParks leadership to ensure continued cooperation with the South African Police Service.