UPDATE | Murdered Kruger National Park tourists found floating in river
· The South African
A major police manhunt is under way after the bodies of two tourists were discovered in the northern section of the Kruger National Park, in what authorities suspect was a violent attack linked to a hijacking.
The bodies were found on Friday, 22 May, at Crooks Corner at the intersection of the Levubu River and Limpopo River – a remote region where the borders of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique meet.
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Stab wounds
The gruesome discovery was made by fellow tourists exploring the area, who immediately alerted SANParks rangers.
Preliminary investigations indicate that both victims sustained stab wounds to their upper bodies.
Police have opened cases of murder and hijacking after the green Ford Ranger double cab the pair had been travelling in was found to be missing.
A search operation had been launched the previous evening after camp staff raised concerns when the tourists failed to return to their accommodation.
Team of investigators
Authorities said the pair – a 71-year-old white man and a white woman whose identity has not yet been confirmed – entered the park on Sunday, 17 May, and were last seen on Wednesday morning at the Pafuri picnic site.
Thembi Hadebe, the Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, has assembled a team of senior investigators to lead the case, with police deploying resources to trace those responsible.
Law enforcement agencies, including SAPS, emergency services, SANParks and the Border Management Authority, attended the scene.
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, said he had engaged SANParks leadership to ensure continued cooperation with police investigators.
“On behalf of SANParks and the Department, we extend our sincere condolences to the family of the victims during this difficult time,” Aucamp said.
‘Unprecedented’ incident
He described the incident as unprecedented in the park’s history, saying it was the first reported case of its kind in Kruger National Park.
SANParks confirmed that the victims’ next of kin had been informed and said the organisation would assist the family with travel, accommodation and repatriation arrangements.
Police have urged anyone with information to contact Lieutenant Colonel Rodney Ndou, call Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or submit anonymous tips through the MySAPS app.
No arrests have been made and investigations remain ongoing.