A search is ongoing for a suspect following the tragic deaths of two tourists who were fatally stabbed and their bodies left in waters inhabited by crocodiles.
Ernst Marais, 71, and his wife Dina, 73, were on a trip to the Kruger National Park in northeastern South Africa when they reportedly encountered poachers at an elephant crossing.
The elderly couple, who traveled from their coastal residence approximately 1100 miles away, were staying near the park’s Parfuri Gate. Concern arose when they did not return to their lodging on the evening of Wednesday, May 20.
Kruger National Park is a highly popular destination for tourists, attracting around one million visitors annually, with a significant number coming from the UK, US, and Germany in hopes of seeing the famous big five animals: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes.
The bodies of the couple were discovered by fellow tourists observing a herd of elephants crossing a river. The victims were found floating in the water.
Crook’s Corner earned its name in the 1880s as a lawless zone where South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique converge at the junction of the Limpopo and Luvhuvhu rivers. This area was notorious for harboring illegal activities like ivory poaching, arms trafficking, human trafficking, and murder, making it a dangerous spot.
It is suspected that Ernst and Dina were bound and repeatedly stabbed before being dragged to the Limpopo River, known as the “Crocodile River” due to its abundant crocodiles.
South African National Park rangers and law enforcement responded to the incident. The authorities had been searching for the couple since they were reported missing the morning after their disappearance.
A park official stated, “Initially, there was hope that they had ventured off-road and encountered difficulties due to local flooding, but a subsequent report of the discovery of two bodies changed the situation.”
“They were found in the river at Crook’s Corner, which has a notorious reputation. Our rangers retrieved the bodies from the riverbank awaiting police arrival,” the official added.
“This is an unprecedented event in the history of the Kruger, and we hope it does not deter tourists from visiting,” she expressed.
Police are investigating two counts of murder and one of hijacking but have not made any arrests yet.
A police source suggested that the couple may have unintentionally crossed paths with a group of poachers who killed them to silence any potential alarm.
South Africa boasts the largest rhino population globally and is a major target for rhino poaching due to the value of their horns rich in keratin.
Despite ongoing efforts by authorities, poaching remains a significant issue. Data from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment revealed that 352 rhinos were poached in South Africa from January to December 2025.
The source mentioned, “If the couple were involved in smuggling, their pickup truck could have been used for transportation, and there are unguarded river crossings into Mozambique.”
An extensive manhunt is underway with the assumption that the suspects have left the Kruger area.