Charmaine Ndlela
South Africa is preparing to begin formal extradition proceedings against two Mozambican nationals arrested for allegedly murdering a Mossel Bay couple in the Kruger National Park last month.
The suspects, aged 32 and 33, were arrested in Mozambique following a coordinated cross-border investigation.
The bodies of Ernst Marais, 71, and his wife Dina, 73, were discovered near Crooks Corner in the park on 22 May.
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Preliminary investigations revealed that both victims had sustained multiple stab wounds. Their Ford Ranger double cab was stolen during the attack and later smuggled into Mozambique.
Police recovered the vehicle in Chókwè on 26 May, which ultimately led to the arrest of the suspects.
The first suspect was arrested in Chókwè on 1 June, while the second was apprehended in Xai-Xai in Gaza province a day later.
The suspects have since appeared before a court in Maputo and are facing two counts of murder and hijacking. Authorities have said that additional charges could be added as investigations continue.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp welcomed the arrests, saying they were the result of extensive cooperation between South African and Mozambican authorities.
“We said that these criminals would be apprehended, and that is exactly what has happened,” Aucamp said.
He thanked law enforcement agencies, SANParks officials, conservation partners and Mozambican authorities for their role in securing the arrests.
He said the investigation established a positive link between the suspects and the murders.
It is understood that the suspects have confessed to their involvement in the crime.
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Aucamp reiterated that criminal activity would not be tolerated in South Africa’s national parks and called for continued cooperation between communities, conservation authorities and law enforcement agencies to protect the country’s protected areas.
While welcoming the breakthrough, he acknowledged the loss suffered by the Marais family.
“I hope that these arrests will provide some measure of comfort to them as they continue to navigate this difficult journey,” he said.
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