The bodies of two tourists have been found near Pafuri in the northern section of the Kruger National Park, sparking a major police manhunt for their killers.
The bodies were discovered on Friday, 22 May, near the Luvuvhu River in the Crooks Corner area where the borders of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique meet. The gruesome find was made by fellow tourists who were game-viewing in the area, and who alerted SANParks rangers.
Preliminary findings indicate both victims had stab wounds to the upper body. Police are investigating cases of murder and hijacking, as the green Ford Ranger double cab the pair had been travelling in has not been found.
A search operation was launched on the evening of Thursday, 21 May, after camp staff became concerned when the tourists failed to return to the camp where they had been booked. The pair — a 71-year-old man and a woman whose identity has not yet been confirmed — had entered the park on Sunday, 17 May, and were last seen on the morning of Wednesday, 20 May, at the Pafuri picnic site.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has mobilised a team of senior investigators to lead the case and said resources have been deployed to trace those responsible. Police and emergency services, along with SANParks and the Border Management Authority, attended the scene.
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, said he had engaged with SANParks leadership to ensure continued cooperation with the South African Police Service. "On behalf of SANParks and the Department, we extend our sincere condolences to the family of the victims during this difficult time," said Aucamp.
He confirmed that police and SANParks officials had located and informed the victims' family. Out of respect for the family and to allow the investigation to proceed without interruption, authorities said no further information would be released at this stage.
Authorities say the circumstances of the attack remain unclear and no arrests have been made.
Police have urged anyone with information to contact Lieutenant Colonel Rodney Ndou or Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS app anonymously.