LIMPOPOP – Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has mobilised a team of experienced investigators at provincial level to track down those involved in the brutal murder of two people whose bodies were discovered near Crook’s Corner in the Kruger National Park.

The bodies were found at the intersection of the Levubu and Limpopo rivers under the Masisi policing area in Vhembe.

Victims identified

Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said a white male aged 71 and his wife reportedly arrived at one of the camps in the park on May 17 in a green double cab bakkie.

They were later identified as Ernst (71) and Dina (73) Marais. The pair were last seen on May 20 at the Pafuri picnic site. When they failed to return, a search operation was initiated.

Bodies discovered by tourists

“On May 22, tourists discovered two bodies floating at Crook’s Corner and alerted the police. The police, EMS personnel, SANParks officials and members of the Border Management Authority responded to the scene,” said Mashaba.

Stab wounds to upper bodies

Preliminary investigations revealed that the man sustained stab wounds to the upper body, while the woman also suffered severe wounds to the upper body.

Their vehicle has since crossed the border into Mozambique.

Circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear at this stage. Police have opened two counts of murder and hijacking for further investigation.

Maximum resources mobilised

Hadebe assured the public that maximum resources have been mobilised to ensure that those responsible are traced and brought to justice. Police are working closely with Kruger National Park authorities as investigations continue.

Anyone with information that may assist the ongoing investigations is urged to come forward.

Contact the investigating officer, Lieutenant Colonel Rodney Ndou, on 082 807 2666 or 082 414 2481, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or use the MySAPSApp anonymously.