The investigation into the murder of Mossel Bay couple Dina Marais, 73, and Ernst Marais, 71, has taken a major turn following the arrest of two Mozambican nationals in neighbouring Mozambique, authorities announced on Tuesday.
The arrests come nearly two weeks after the couple’s bodies were discovered near Crooks Corner in the northern section of the Kruger National Park, where police believe they were attacked before their vehicle was stolen and taken across the border.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the suspects, aged 32 and 33, were arrested through a coordinated cross-border investigation involving South African police, Mozambican law enforcement authorities, South African National Parks (SANParks) and other stakeholders.
Police said the breakthrough followed the recovery of the victims’ stolen green Ford Ranger double cab in Chókwè, Mozambique, on 26 May.
“The recovery of the vehicle led to the arrest of the first suspect in Chókwè on Monday, 01 June 2026. The second suspect was subsequently arrested in Xai-Xai city, Gaza province on Tuesday, 02 June 2026,” SAPS said in a statement.
The Marais couple was last seen on 20 May at the Pafuri Picnic Site in the northern region of the Kruger National Park. After they failed to return, a search operation was launched.
Authorities later discovered their bodies near Crooks Corner, where the Levubu and Limpopo rivers meet within the park. Preliminary investigations revealed that both victims had sustained multiple stab wounds, while their vehicle was missing.
Police subsequently opened cases of murder and hijacking.
Earlier in the investigation, SANParks spokesperson Reynold Thakhuli disclosed that tyre tracks suggested the stolen vehicle may have left the park through a fence bordering Mozambique rather than through an official exit point.
The arrests appear to support that line of investigation, with the vehicle ultimately being located inside Mozambique.
The two suspects are facing two counts of murder and hijacking, although investigators have indicated that additional charges may still be added as the case develops. The suspects were expected to appear before a court in Maputo on Tuesday.
Limpopo Police Commissioner, Thembi Hadebe, praised investigators and partner agencies for their efforts.
“The arrests mark a significant milestone in the investigation and demonstrate the effectiveness of cross-border cooperation in combating serious and violent crime. We extend our appreciation to the Mozambican law enforcement authorities, SANParks and all role players whose efforts contributed to this breakthrough,” Hadebe said.
The case had shocked South Africa and the tourism sector, with Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille previously expressing condolences to the family and describing tourist safety as a priority for the country.
Authorities in both South Africa and Mozambique are continuing investigations as they work toward securing justice for the slain couple and determining whether additional suspects were involved in the crime.