A manhunt is underway after two tourists were stabbed to death and their bodies dumped in crocodile-infested waters in South Africa's Kruger National Park.
Victims Identified
Ernst Marais, 71, and his wife Dina, 73, were visiting the famous game reserve when they are believed to have encountered poachers at an elephant crossing. The retired couple had travelled from their coastal home, approximately 1,100 miles away, and were staying near the Parfuri Gate in the northern part of the park. Concern grew when they failed to return to their accommodation on the night of Wednesday, May 20.
Discovery of Bodies
The couple's bodies were found by a group of tourists who were watching a herd of elephants at a viewing spot. The bodies were floating in the Limpopo River near Crook's Corner, a historically notorious area where South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique meet. The river is heavily infested with crocodiles. It is believed that Ernst and Dina had their hands tied behind their backs and were repeatedly stabbed in the upper body before being dragged to the river.
Police Investigation
South African National Park rangers and police were called to the scene. Authorities had been searching for the couple since they were reported missing on Thursday morning. A Kruger National Park source stated, "It was hoped that they had gone off road and broken down after heavy local floods somewhere but then we got a call to say two bodies had been found." The source added that both had been stabbed in a brutal attack and thrown into the river for the crocodiles. Their 4x4 vehicle had been stolen.
Manhunt Underway
Police are investigating two counts of murder and one of hijacking. No arrests have been made. A South African police source suspects the couple may have unexpectedly encountered a gang of poachers who killed them to prevent them from raising the alarm. South Africa has the largest rhino population in the world and is a hotspot for poaching. Data from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment showed 352 rhinos were poached in 2025.
The police source said, "Their pick-up truck would have been an easy way to transport anything they were carrying if they were smugglers and there are unfenced ways to get across the river into Mozambique. A large manhunt is underway focusing on the assumption they are already out of the Kruger."
Impact on Tourism
A Kruger National Park source expressed concern that the incident could deter tourists, saying, "We have never had an incident like this in the history of the Kruger and we are praying that this does not cause a major tourist knee-jerk reaction who decide it is no longer a safe place for them to visit. This is an extremely safe national park and this has shocked us all."
