A major breakthrough has been made in the investigation into the murder of South African couple Dina and Ernst Marais, with two suspects arrested in Mozambique.
The elderly couple, aged 73 and 71 respectively, were found dead by tourists at a lookout point near Crooks Corner in the far northern section of the Kruger National Park on 22 May.
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READ | Murder of couple in Kruger National Park makes UK headlines
Successful cross-border investigation
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp confirmed the arrests, describing them as the result of a successful cross-border investigation involving South African and Mozambican authorities.
According to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the operation was carried out through cooperation between Mozambique’s criminal investigation agency, Sernic, the Wildlife Justice Commission and SANParks ranger services.
Authorities say the two suspects have allegedly confessed to the killings.
Investigators have also recovered the couple’s missing vehicle, which had been sought since the murders.
South African authorities are now expected to begin extradition proceedings to have the suspects returned to South Africa, where they will face criminal charges.
Praised the collaborative efforts
Aucamp praised the collaborative efforts that led to the arrests and thanked all agencies involved in the investigation.
“I want to thank SANParks, the South African Police Service, the Mozambican authorities and our conservation partners for their exceptional cooperation in securing this breakthrough,” he said.
The minister reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring that criminal activity is rooted out from South Africa’s protected areas.
“We will not tolerate criminal activity in our national parks. Continued cooperation between communities, conservation authorities and law enforcement agencies remains essential in protecting these important areas,” Aucamp added.
Shocked the world
The murders shocked both the tourism and conservation sectors, with Crooks Corner being a popular attraction within the Kruger National Park.
The remote area lies near the borders of South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Police are expected to provide further details as the investigation continues and the extradition process unfolds.
The arrests are expected to bring some measure of relief to the family of the victims as authorities move closer to securing justice for the slain couple.
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