Retired couple found murdered and dumped in river at Kruger National Park during vacation
The pair disappeared during a sightseeing trip before their bodies were discovered days later
The bodies of a retired married couple were discovered in a river inside South Africa’s Kruger National Park following what authorities describe as a “gruesome” and violent attack.
Ernst Marais, 71, and Dina Marais, 73, were found dead on Friday, May 22, after disappearing during a sightseeing trip in the world-famous wildlife reserve.
The couple, who were visiting the park from Mossel Bay on South Africa’s southern coast, were last seen on Wednesday, May 20, when they left their accommodation for a day excursion and failed to return.
According to early accounts cited by local reports, investigators believe the couple may have been stabbed, with their hands allegedly bound behind their backs, before their bodies were thrown into a river inside the park.
Authorities said the couple’s vehicle is also missing, raising suspicions that it may have been stolen following the attack.
South African National Parks (SANParks) confirmed in a statement that a search operation was launched after staff noticed the tourists had not returned to camp. Their bodies were later discovered in the Pafuri section of the park by other visitors near a river.
Officials described the discovery as shocking and confirmed that police are treating the incident as a major criminal investigation.
While details remain under investigation, some local sources told media outlets that detectives are exploring the possibility that the couple may have encountered poachers operating in or near the park.
One source suggested the location’s proximity to cross-border routes and river access points may have made the vehicle a potential target for smuggling-related activity, though authorities have not confirmed a motive.
A neighbor of the couple described Ernst and Dina as a “lovely couple” who regularly enjoyed safaris, adding that the local community was left in shock after news of their deaths.
“It is the first time in the history of the Kruger National Park that an incident of this nature has been reported,” a government official said, confirming that next of kin have been informed.
Police have not yet publicly identified suspects, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the killings remain ongoing.
