Two arrested in Mozambique for murder of Kruger Park tourists
Dina and Ernst Marais were killed at Crooks Corner while celebrating a birthday in the Kruger National Park.
Two suspects have been arrested in Mozambique in connection with the brutal murder of South African tourists Dina and Ernst Marais in the Kruger National Park nearly two weeks ago.
The arrests were announced by Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp on June 3.
The couple’s Ford Ranger double cab was recovered on May 26 in Chókwè, Mozambique. The recovery of the vehicle led to the arrest of the first suspect in Chókwè on Monday, June 1.
The second suspect was subsequently arrested in Xai-Xai city, Gaza, on Tuesday, June 2.
It is understood that the suspects have confessed to the crimes.
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Aucamp described the development as a significant breakthrough in the investigation.
“We said that these criminals would be apprehended, and that is exactly what has happened. I would like to thank all of those who have worked tirelessly and collaboratively from the onset to secure this breakthrough,” Aucamp said.
According to the minister, the arrests were the result of effective cross-border co-operation between Mozambique’s Serviço Nacional de Investigação Criminal, the Wildlife Justice Commission, and Kruger National Park Ranger Services, led by the regional ranger for the Nxanatseni Region, supported by rangers from the Pafuri Section.
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“South Africa will now start the formal extradition process to get the suspects to South Africa to stand trial for this heinous crime,” Aucamp said.
He emphasised that criminal activity would not be tolerated in South Africa’s national parks and called on communities and law enforcement agencies to continue working together to protect these conservation areas.
“While the Marais family has suffered a devastating loss, I hope that these arrests will provide some measure of comfort to them as they continue to navigate this difficult journey,” he said.
The suspects are expected to appear in court in Maputo today, June 3, and face charges of murder and hijacking. Additional charges may be added as investigations continue.
