SANParks implements new security measures in Kruger National Park after the tragic deaths of tourists, ensuring visitor safety remains a top priority.
Image: File
The South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced additional security and risk mitigation measures in the Kruger National Park (KNP) following the discovery of two tourists’ bodies in the remote Pafuri section last week.
The victims, identified in reports as elderly Mossel Bay couple Ernst and Dina Marais, were allegedly attacked while travelling through the northern region of the park. Their bodies were discovered on Friday, May 22, after a search operation was launched when they failed to return to camp. Police are investigating cases of murder and hijacking after the couple’s vehicle had gone missing.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the conservation community and among regular visitors to the park, with SANParks describing it as unprecedented in the park’s 100-year history.
Kruger National Park spans more than two million hectares and shares a 374km border with Mozambique and Zimbabwe. According to SANParks, no similar incident has ever been recorded within the reserve.
SANParks said the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, had personally contacted the victims’ family to express condolences.
Dina (73) and Ernst Marais (71), were found murdered in a river on Friday, May 22.
Image: AI/ Cape Times
Members of the SANParks Board, executive management, and senior officials from the South African Police Service (SAPS) also visited the family to offer support.
During the engagement, the family reportedly described the couple as long-standing and highly experienced Kruger visitors who strictly adhered to park rules.
“The family shared that the couple was regular guests who would never have placed themselves at risk by exiting their vehicle where prohibited,” SANParks said.
Law enforcement officials investigating the matter have confirmed that security camera footage from the park’s gates showed the missing vehicle did not leave through any of Kruger’s nine access gates or two international border posts into Mozambique.
Rangers later traced what are believed to be tyre tracks near the crime scene. The tracks appear to show a vehicle being driven through the bush, over the fence, and into Mozambique. However, authorities stressed that there is still no confirmation that the tracks belong to the missing vehicle.
While SAPS continues to lead the investigation, SANParks said it is already rolling out additional safety measures in parts of the Nxanatseni North Region.
The interventions include deploying additional rangers and monitoring teams in identified high-risk areas, as well as strengthening surveillance and early warning technology systems.
Although SANParks declined to reveal operational details for security reasons, the organisation confirmed that existing technology systems played a key role in identifying the vehicle linked to the missing tourists.
Officials said the technology forms part of SANParks’ broader multi-year modernisation programme aimed at combating poaching, illegal cross-border activity, and enhancing visitor safety.
“Kruger National Park remains a very safe area to visit and work at, with effective security protocols remaining in place,” SANParks said.
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