News24 | Kruger Park murders: Two arrested in Mozambique, SA to start extradition process

Two people have been arrested for the murder of two tourists in the Kruger National Park.

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Willie Aucamp confirmed the arrest of two suspects in Mozambique.

Ernst Marais, 71, and his wife, Dina, 73, nature enthusiasts from the Western Cape town of Mossel Bay, were found brutally murdered near Crooks’ Corner in the far northern section of the park two weeks ago.

“We said that these criminals would be apprehended, and that is exactly what has happened,” said Aucamp.

“I would like to thank all of those who have worked tirelessly and collaboratively from the onset to secure this breakthrough.”

READ | Grief and heartache of the first-ever Kruger National Park murders has family reeling

The arrests are the result of effective cross-border cooperation between Serviço Nacional de Investigação Criminal (SERNIC), Mozambique’s agency responsible for investigating serious and organised crime, as well as the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) and Kruger National Park Ranger Services, led by the regional ranger for the Nxanatseni (Far North) Region, together with rangers from the Pafuri Section.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the arrested Mozambican nationals are aged 32 and 33.

“The victims’ stolen vehicle, a Ford Ranger double cab, was recovered [last Tuesday] in Chókwè, Mozambique. The recovery of the vehicle led to the arrest of the first suspect in Chókwè on Monday. The second suspect was subsequently arrested in Xai-Xai city, Gaza province on Tuesday,” he added.

The men are facing two counts of murder and hijacking. Additional charges may be added as investigations continue, added Mashaba.

Aucamp said that South Africa would now start the formal extradition process to bring the suspected murderers to the country to stand trial.

Aucamp reiterated 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 safeguard these protected areas.

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