Two suspects arrested in Mozambique for Kruger double murder
Police made a breakthrough following weeks of investigation into the double murder of Mossel Bay couple Ernst and Dina Marais.
Police made a breakthrough following weeks of investigation into the double murder of a Mossel Bay couple, whose bodies were discovered in the Kruger National Park.
Ernst, 71, and Dina, 73, Marais were found dead on Friday, 22 May.
Their bodies were discovered floating at Cross Corner along the banks of the Levubu River near the Limpopo River inside the national park.
According to police, the couple entered the park on 17 May and were reported missing three days later after failing to return to the Pafuri campsite.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Ernst suffered stab wounds to the upper body, while Dina sustained severe upper-body injuries caused by a sharp object.
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Mozambican nationals arrested in connection with double murder
Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the arrests were effected through coordinated cross-border investigations conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS), Mozambican law enforcement authorities, SANParks, and other role players.
"Two Mozambican nationals aged 32 and 33 have been arrested in Mozambique in connection with the murders and positively linked to the crime," said Mashaba.
He added that the suspects were positively identified following the recovery of the couple's stolen vehicle.
"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 suspects are expected to appear in court in Maputo, Mozambique, on Wednesday, facing two counts of murder and hijacking.
Mashaba said additional charges may be added as investigations continue.
SA quantity surveyors pays tribute to couple
Meanwhile, the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors says the couple had been celebrating Dina’s birthday in the bushveld, adding that the Kruger National Park was a place they deeply loved.
In a statement last month, the association says the couple was described by family as warm, soft-hearted people who shared a close bond with relatives and a deep appreciation for South Africa’s natural beauty.
"Ernst was a respected Quantity Surveyor and co-founder of Van Rensburg Marais & Associates, and a long-standing member of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors until his retirement in 2018. Together, Ernst and Dina built a life defined by hard work, a love for the outdoors, and enduring devotion to one another," said the statement.
Government welcomes arrests
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Willie Aucamp, has welcomed the arrests.
"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," said Aucamp.
He further said the government would begin the formal extradition process to get the suspects to South Africa to stand trial for this heinous crime.
"I have engaged with my colleagues in the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and Justice to emphasise the importance of securing the suspects' return to South Africa to face the full might of the law".
Aucamp reiterated that criminal activity would not be tolerated in South Africa's national parks and called on communities and law enforcement agencies to continue working together to safeguard these protected areas.
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