Tragedy struck the Kruger National Park (KNP) after two tourists were found dead near a river in the Pafuri section of the Nxanatseni North Region on May 22.

According to SANParks spokesperson JP Louw, a search operation was launched on May 21 after camp staff noticed that the tourists had not returned to camp.

The search continued into the following day when the gruesome discovery was made by other tourists.

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“Rangers were alerted, and it was also established that the vehicle the tourists had been travelling in was missing from the scene,” said Louw.

SANParks said it is saddened by the incident.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, said it is the first incident of this nature reported in the history of the KNP.

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The next of kin have been informed, and SANParks will assist the family with transport to Limpopo, accommodation and repatriation costs.

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Aucamp, along with the SANParks board and management, extended their condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.

The matter has been referred to the police for further investigation.

SANParks added that, out of respect for the family and to allow investigations to continue unhindered, no further comment will be made at this stage.