Elderly Mossel Bay Couple Found Dead In Kruger National Park As Murder Probe Intensifies

Police have launched a high-priority investigation following the murder of an elderly couple from Mossel Bay whose bodies were discovered in the Kruger National Park on Friday.

Ernst Marais, 71, and Dina Marais, 73, had been visiting the park when they were reported missing after failing to return to their holiday estate as planned.

Kruger National Park Murder Investigation Underway

Limpopo police spokesperson Hlulani Mashaba confirmed that the couple’s bodies were found in a river on Friday, 22 May 2026, following an extensive search operation.

The couple had checked into the park on Sunday, 17 May, and were last seen alive at the Pafuri picnic area on Wednesday morning. Concerns were raised after communication with them suddenly stopped.

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The discovery has shocked both tourists and local residents, with police now investigating the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

SANParks Search Operation Ended After Tourists Made Discovery

South African National Parks launched a 24-hour search operation involving ground teams and a helicopter after the couple was reported missing.

Despite the extensive efforts, tourists later discovered the bodies floating in a nearby river.

Authorities also searched the couple’s property at a wildlife estate in Hoedspruit to determine whether they had returned there during the period they were missing. The residence was reportedly empty.

SANParks spokesperson Reynold Thakuli said investigators initially believed the couple’s bakkie may have become trapped due to heavy rainfall and flooding in the northern parts of the park.

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However, the missing vehicle has since led investigators to add hijacking charges to the case.

“The investigation is ongoing, with forensic teams processing the scene for further evidence,” Thakuli said.

AfriForum Raises Safety Concerns Following Kruger National Park Murders

AfriForum has described the killings as a matter of national concern, warning that the incident has intensified fears around visitor safety at one of South Africa’s leading tourist attractions.

AfriForum chief spokesperson Jacques Broodryk said the murders had sent shockwaves across the country.

“This incident has sent shockwaves across the country and raises serious concerns about the safety of visitors to this world-renowned heritage site.”

“The safety of all people in South Africa, including tourists and visitors to national heritage sites, is a matter of national importance.”

Police investigations into the murders and the missing vehicle are continuing.