Polokwane – Police in Limpopo have made a breakthrough that has led to the arrest of two suspects in the brutal murder of Mr. and Mrs. Marais, aged 71 and 73, whose bodies were discovered at Crooks Corner in the Kruger National Park.
The bodies of the couple were discovered on 22 May 2026.
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Through coordinated cross-border investigations conducted by the South African Police Service, Mozambican law enforcement authorities, SANParks and other role players, two Mozambican nationals aged 32 and 33 have been arrested.
The suspects were arrested in Mozambique in connection with the murders and were positively linked to the crime.
The victims’ stolen vehicle, a Ford Ranger double cab, was recovered on 26 May 2026 in Chókwè, Mozambique.
The recovery of the vehicle led to the arrest of the first suspect in Chókwè on Monday, 1 June 2026.
The second suspect was subsequently arrested in Xai-Xai city, Gaza province, yesterday, Tuesday, 2 June 2026.
“The breakthrough is the result of extensive collaboration between the South African Police Service, Mozambican law enforcement authorities, SANParks and other role players,” said police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba.
The victims were reported missing after they were last seen on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, at the Pafuri Picnic Site in the Kruger National Park.
A search operation was subsequently launched after they failed to return.
On Thursday, 21 May 2026, their bodies were discovered near Crooks Corner at the intersection of the Levubu and Limpopo rivers within the Kruger National Park under the Masisi policing area in the Vhembe District.
Preliminary investigations revealed that both victims had sustained multiple stab wounds.
Their vehicle was also reported missing, prompting police to open cases of murder and hijacking for investigation.
The suspects are facing two counts of murder and hijacking. Additional charges may be added as investigations continue.
The suspects are expected to appear today, in Maputo, Mozambique.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the Provincial investigators and all stakeholders involved for their dedication and commitment in ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
“The arrests mark a significant milestone in the investigation and demonstrate the effectiveness of cross-border cooperation in combating serious and violent crime,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
“We extend our appreciation to the Mozambican law enforcement authorities, SANParks, and all role players whose efforts contributed to this breakthrough.”
Meanwhile, Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Willie Aucamp stated that: “South Africa will now start 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 Departments of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and Justice to emphasise the importance of securing the suspects’ return to South Africa to face the full might of the law.” T
The Minister has also expressed his appreciation to the dedicated personnel at the SANParks, SAPS, Mozambican authorities, and conservation partners for their exceptional commitment and cooperation, which were instrumental in achieving this outcome.
