Two Suspects Arrested In Mozambique Over Kruger National Park Couple’s Murder

A major breakthrough has been made in the investigation into the brutal killing of a Mossel Bay couple whose bodies were discovered in the Kruger National Park, with two suspects arrested in neighbouring Mozambique.

The victims, 73-year-old Dina Marais and her husband, 71-year-old Ernst Marais, were found dead on 22 May 2026. Their bodies were recovered from Cross Corner along the Levubu River near the Limpopo River within the park.

Police said the couple had entered the park on 17 May but were reported missing three days later when they failed to return to the Pafuri campsite as expected.

Initial investigations found that Ernst had suffered stab wounds to his upper body, while Dina sustained severe injuries caused by a sharp object. Authorities also established that the couple’s green Ford Ranger double cab had been stolen.

Kruger National Park Murder Investigation Leads To Mozambique Arrests

The Kruger National Park murder investigation gained momentum through a joint operation involving the South African Police Service, Mozambican authorities, SANParks and several other stakeholders.

Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba confirmed that two Mozambican nationals, aged 32 and 33, were arrested and linked to the crime.

“Two Mozambican nationals aged 32 and 33 have been arrested in Mozambique in connection with the murders and positively linked to the crime.”

According to Mashaba, investigators were able to identify the suspects after recovering the victims’ stolen vehicle in Mozambique.

“The vehicle was recovered in Chokwe, Mozambique, on 26 May 2026. The recovery of the vehicle led to the arrest of the first suspect in Chokwe on Monday, 1 June 2026. The second suspect was subsequently arrested in Xai-Xai city, Gaza province, on Tuesday, 2 June 2026.”

The two suspects are expected to appear before a court in Maputo on Wednesday. They face charges of murder and hijacking, while investigators continue to probe the case.

Stolen Ford Ranger Key To Kruger National Park Murder Breakthrough

Police believe the recovery of the Ford Ranger played a critical role in tracing those allegedly responsible for the killings.

The vehicle was found in Chokwe, Mozambique, several days after the murders. Investigators subsequently followed leads that resulted in the arrests of the two suspects in separate locations.

Mashaba indicated that the investigation remains active and that additional charges could still be added as more evidence is gathered.

Government Begins Extradition Process After Kruger National Park Murders

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, welcomed the arrests and praised the coordinated efforts that led to the breakthrough.

“We said these criminals would be apprehended, and that is exactly what has happened. I would like to thank all those who have worked tirelessly and collaboratively from the onset to secure this breakthrough.”

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Pretoria High Court Dismisses Sergeant Fannie Nkosi’s Bail Appeal In Explosives And Theft Case

Aucamp said government departments would now work to ensure that the suspects are returned to South Africa to face prosecution.

“I have engaged with my colleagues in the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and Justice to emphasize the importance of securing the suspects’ return to South Africa to face the full might of the law”.

The minister also stressed that criminal activity would not be allowed to undermine the safety and integrity of South Africa’s national parks. He urged communities and law enforcement agencies to continue working together to protect these conservation areas.