2 confess to Kruger Park murder of Mossel Bay couple
Two Mozambican nationals have been arrested for the murders of Mossel Bay couple Dina and Ernst Marais in the Kruger National Park.
LIMPOPO – Police efforts in hunting down perpetrators in the murders of a Mossel Bay couple in Kruger National Park have finally paid off.
Dina and Ernst Marais’ bodies were discovered in the northern section of the Park near Crooks Corner on Friday, May 22.
Read more: Murdered Mossel Bay couple: Police hunt KNP killers
According to Limpopo SAPS Spokesman, Brig Hlulani Mashaba, two suspects in Mozambique were arrested in connection with the murder.
“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 in Mozambique in connection with the murders and positively linked to the crime.”
Mashaba adds that the victims’ stolen vehicle, a Ford Ranger double cab, was recovered on Tuesday May 26, in Chókwè, Mozambique.
The recovery of the vehicle led to them arresting the first suspect in Chókwè on Monday, June 1. The second suspect was subsequently arrested in Xai-Xai city, Gaza province, on Tuesday.
The suspects are facing two counts of murder and hijacking. Additional charges may be added as investigations continue, and they are expected to appear today (Wednesday) in Maputo.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, commended law enforcement officers for the arrests. “We said that these criminals would be apprehended, and that is exactly what has happened,” he said.
The minister further said that “It is understood that the suspects have confessed to the crimes. South Africa will start the formal extradition process to bring the suspects to South Africa to stand trial for the crime.
He also applauded law enforcement officers for the arrest. “I would like to thank all of those who have worked tirelessly and collaboratively from the onset to secure this breakthrough.”
He concluded by stating that he hopes that these arrests will provide some measure of comfort to the Marais family as they navigate the journey of healing.
