Investigators hunt suspects in Kruger Park killing of elderly tourists.
Image: File
Tourism and environmental authorities have moved to reassure visitors to the Kruger National Park following the discovery of two tourists’ bodies near a river in the park’s remote Pafuri section, while police continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the killings.
Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille extended condolences to the family and friends of the South African couple, saying tourist safety remains a priority for the country’s tourism sector.
“The safety of all travellers is of utmost importance to the tourism industry. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the victims,” said De Lille.
She added that the tourism sector continues working closely with law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen tourist safety measures across South Africa.
De Lille also appealed to members of the public with information about the incident to assist police investigations.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp condemned the killings, describing the incident as both shocking and unprecedented within the Kruger National Park.
“This should never happen in our country and should never happen in Kruger National Park,” said Aucamp.
He confirmed that he had engaged with the leadership of South African National Parks, including the organisation’s chief executive officer and board chairperson, to ensure support is provided to the victims’ family and that authorities fully cooperate with the ongoing police investigation.
According to SANParks, the couple’s bodies were discovered on Friday, May 22, in what the organisation described as the first incident of its kind in the park’s 100-year history.
Family members reportedly informed officials that the couple were regular visitors to the park who strictly adhered to park regulations and would not knowingly have placed themselves in danger by leaving their vehicle in a restricted area.
Investigators have since confirmed that surveillance cameras at the park’s access points showed that the missing vehicle did not exit through any of the park’s nine gates or through the two border posts connecting the park to Mozambique.
SANParks rangers also identified tyre tracks near the crime scene that appear to indicate a vehicle travelling through the bush, crossing a fence and moving in the direction of Mozambique.
However, authorities stressed that there is currently no confirmation linking the tracks to the missing vehicle.
While the South African Police Service continues leading the criminal investigation, SANParks has announced additional safety interventions in the Nxanatseni North Region of the park.
The measures include the deployment of additional rangers and monitoring resources in identified high-risk areas, alongside efforts to strengthen surveillance systems and early-warning technology.
SANParks said existing technology had already assisted investigators in tracing movements linked to the missing vehicle and added that the organisation would continue investing in modern security technology as part of broader efforts to combat poaching, illegal activity and improve visitor safety.
Despite the incident, SANParks maintained that the Kruger National Park remains a safe destination for both tourists and staff, with extensive security systems operating across the more than two-million-hectare conservation area.
The organisation reiterated its commitment to supporting police investigations, sharing verified information when appropriate and ensuring the safety of visitors, employees and wildlife.
Out of respect for the victims’ family and to protect the integrity of the investigation, SANParks said no further comment would be issued at this stage.