GAME RESERVE MURDERS: Kruger killings: ‘Relief’ for family as 2 Mozambicans arrested, extradition process kicks in

The arrests in connection with the murder of tourists Dina Marais and Ernst Marais in Kruger National Park has brought a measure of relief to their grieving family as they prepare to lay the couple to rest on Thursday.

The breakthrough arrests in the investigation into the murder of Mossel Bay couple Dina (73) and Ernst Marais (71) in Kruger National Park followed extensive cross-border cooperation between Mozambique’s Serviço Nacional de Investigação Criminal (Sernic), the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) and Kruger National Park Ranger Services.

The Serviço Nacional de Investigação Criminal —which translates to the National Criminal Investigation Service—is Mozambique’s elite, specialised public police service dedicated to criminal investigation.

The couple’s bodies were discovered in the Levubu River on 22 May, sparking a high-priority investigation and renewed concerns about security in the park’s remote northern region.

Following reports that circulated widely on social media, Aucamp confirmed that two suspects, aged 32 and 33, had been arrested in Mozambique in connection with the killings.

“We said that these criminals would be apprehended, and that is exactly what has happened,” Aucamp said. “I would like to thank all of those who have worked tirelessly and collaboratively from the onset to secure this breakthrough.”

Family spokesperson Hjalmar van Gesselen told Daily Maverick on Wednesday, 3 June that the development had brought some comfort to relatives still grappling with the tragedy.

“The news of the breakthrough comes as some relief for the family, who will lay the couple to rest on Thursday, 4 June. We heard over the weekend there were two suspects arrested and we knew the police were on the people’s trail. I must say the people of Parks Board, Border Patrol and the police have also notified and updated me,” he said.

Elaborating on the events that led to the breakthrough, Aucamp said the arrests were the result of an extensive cross-border operation involving Sernic, Mozambique’s specialist agency tasked with investigating serious and organised crime, the WJC and Kruger National Park Ranger Services.

The Ranger Services had been led by the regional ranger for the Nxanatseni (Far North) Region and rangers from Pafuri Section.

With the suspects in custody, attention is shifting to securing their return to South Africa to face prosecution.

The minister added: “South Africa will now start the formal extradition process to get the suspects to South Africa to stand trial for this heinous crime. I have engaged with my colleagues in th