Cape Town – Two Mozambican nationals have been arrested in connection with the murder of a Western Cape couple whose bodies were discovered in the Kruger National Park last month.
The arrest came following a coordinated cross-border investigation involving South African and Mozambican authorities.
The victims were identified as Dina Marais, 73, and her husband, Ernst Marais, 71, from Mossel Bay.
The couple entered the Kruger National Park on 17 May to celebrate Dina’s birthday. However, concern grew after they were reported missing at the Pafuri picnic site.
Their bodies were later discovered on 22 May floating at Cross Corner, on the banks of the Levubu River near its confluence with the Limpopo River. Their vehicle, a green Ford Ranger double-cab bakkie, was also missing.
According to SABC News, both victims had sustained multiple stab wounds.
Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the arrests were the result of a coordinated investigation involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), Mozambican law enforcement authorities, SANParks and other stakeholders.
In a statement, police confirmed that two Mozambican men, aged 32 and 33, had been positively linked to the murders.
“Two Mozambican nationals aged 32 and 33 have been arrested in Mozambique in connection with the murders and positively linked to the crime. The victims’ stolen vehicle, a Ford Ranger double cab, was recovered on 26 May 2026 in Chókwè, Mozambique,” police said.
Authorities said the recovery of the vehicle led investigators to the first suspect, who was arrested in Chókwè on 1 June. A second suspect was subsequently arrested in Xai-Xai, in Mozambique’s Gaza province, on 2 June.
According to IOL, the suspects currently face two counts of murder and a charge of hijacking, although police indicated that additional charges could be added as investigations continue.
The suspects are expected to appear before a court in Maputo, Mozambique.
Limpopo Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe welcomed the arrests and praised the cooperation between South African and Mozambican authorities.
“The arrests mark a significant milestone in the investigation and demonstrate the effectiveness of cross-border cooperation in combating serious and violent crime,” Hadebe said.
“We extend our appreciation to the Mozambican law enforcement authorities, SANParks, and all role players whose efforts contributed to this breakthrough.”
Police said investigations remain ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence and pursue all aspects of the case.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: Copilot
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
