A manhunt is in progress following the tragic deaths of two tourists who were fatally stabbed and their bodies discarded in waters infested with crocodiles.
Ernst Marais, 71, and his spouse Dina, 73, were exploring the Kruger National Park in northeastern South Africa when they reportedly encountered poachers at an elephant crossing.
The elderly couple, who hailed from a coastal residence around 1100 miles away, were residing near the Parfuri Gate in the northern part of the game reserve. Concern arose when they did not return to their lodging on the evening of Wednesday, May 20.
Kruger National Park is a highly sought-after destination for tourists, attracting around one million visitors each year, including a significant number of British, American, and German tourists eager to catch a glimpse of the “big five” animals: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceros, and buffalos.
The lifeless bodies of the couple were discovered by fellow tourists observing a herd of elephants at a viewing spot, floating in the river.
Crook’s Corner earned its name in the 1880s as a secluded area where South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique converge at the confluence of the Limpopo and Luvhuvhu rivers. This zone was notorious for sheltering ivory poachers, arms traffickers, slave traders, and criminals, deterring law enforcement.
Reports suggest that Ernst and Dina had their hands bound behind their backs, were viciously stabbed in the upper torso, and then dragged to the Limpopo River, known as the “Crocodile River” due to its abundance of the massive reptiles.
South African National Park rangers and police authorities swiftly responded to the distressing scene.
The couple had been reported missing on Thursday morning, prompting a search effort.
A source from Kruger National Park stated, “Initially, there was hope that they had veered off the main route due to recent floods, but a grim discovery was made, confirming the worst.”
The source continued, “The bodies were found in the river at Crook’s Corner, a notorious area. The victims had suffered a brutal attack, likely thrown into the river to be devoured by crocodiles. Additionally, their vehicle was stolen, escalating the gravity of the situation.”
“This unprecedented incident has shaken us to the core,” the source expressed when discussing the safety record of the national park.
Law enforcement has launched a murder and hijacking investigation, with no suspects in custody yet.
A police insider suggested a theory that the couple may have inadvertently encountered a gang of poachers who silenced them to avoid detection.
South Africa houses the largest rhino population globally and is a major target for rhino poaching due to the lucrative horn trade.
Despite relentless efforts by authorities, poaching remains a pressing issue, with 352 rhinos poached in South Africa from January to December 2025 as per official data.
The police source elaborated, “Their vehicle could have served as a convenient transport for illicit goods if they were traffickers, and there are unguarded routes across the river into Mozambique.”
An extensive manhunt is ongoing, focusing on the assumption that the perpetrators have fled the Kruger National Park.
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