Ernst Marais (71) and Dina Marais (73), an elderly couple from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape, were found dead inside the Kruger National Park in Limpopo after they were reported missing during a holiday trip in the park’s northern region.
The couple’s bodies were discovered on Friday, 22 May 2026, in a river near Crooks’ Corner after a large-scale search operation involving South African National Parks (SANParks), police officers, rangers, and helicopter support. Authorities have since opened a murder investigation as questions continue to grow around the disappearance of the couple and their missing vehicle.
What Happened to Ernst and Dina Marais in Kruger National Park
According to SANParks, Ernst Marais and Dina Marais entered the Kruger National Park on Sunday, 17 May 2026, for what was believed to be a holiday visit. The couple, who also reportedly owned property in Hoedspruit, were last seen alive on Wednesday morning, 20 May, at the Pafuri picnic site in the far northern part of the reserve.
When the couple failed to return to their accommodation and could no longer be contacted, concern quickly grew among staff and relatives. Camp officials reportedly raised the alarm on Thursday evening, leading to a coordinated search operation across parts of the remote northern section of the park.
Ground search teams, park rangers, and aerial support units were deployed as authorities attempted to trace the movements of the couple. The search later ended in tragedy when tourists reportedly spotted bodies floating in a river near Crooks’ Corner, an isolated area close to the borders of South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
Police later confirmed that both Ernst Marais and Dina Marais sustained multiple stab wounds. Their deaths are now being treated as a criminal case, with investigators working to establish exactly what happened between the couple’s final sighting and the discovery of their bodies.
The couple’s green Ford Ranger double-cab bakkie remains missing, and investigators believe it may hold critical clues in the case.
This is not the first case in Limpopo where investigators have faced difficulties tracing missing vehicles linked to violent crimes. Readers can also read more crime and investigation stories on our website as police continue to tackle cases across South Africa.
- Omphile Sethole Missing in Limpopo: Mother Opens Child Negligence Case as Police Arrest Grandparents
Kruger National Park Murder Investigation and Missing Vehicle Details
The missing Ford Ranger has become one of the central focuses of the investigation into the deaths of Ernst and Dina Marais in Kruger National Park.
While authorities have not officially confirmed all details surrounding the vehicle’s disappearance, some reports have suggested that tyre tracks were discovered near the scene. According to those reports, the tracks appeared to indicate that the vehicle may have been driven through a fence in the direction of the Mozambique border.
At this stage, police have not publicly confirmed whether the vehicle crossed into Mozambique, and investigators are continuing to examine all available evidence.
The area near Crooks’ Corner has historically presented unique security and border challenges because of its location between South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. The remote terrain, combined with recent heavy rains in parts of the northern Kruger National Park, reportedly complicated search efforts during the early stages of the operation.
SANParks spokesperson Reynold Thakuli said aerial support and ranger units were deployed throughout the search process, but no trace of the missing vehicle was found during initial operations.
Authorities are also investigating whether the couple may have been targeted during the incident, although police have not yet released information regarding possible suspects or motives.
The investigation into the deaths of Ernst Marais and Dina Marais continues to draw national attention as many South Africans question how such a violent incident could occur inside one of the country’s best-known wildlife reserves.
Search terms linked to the case, including “Kruger National Park murder,” “Mossel Bay couple found dead,” and “missing Ford Ranger in Limpopo,” have continued trending online as the story develops.
Latest Update on the Ernst and Dina Marais Case in Limpopo
As the investigation continues, police are appealing to anyone with information about the deaths of Ernst Marais and Dina Marais or the whereabouts of their missing Ford Ranger bakkie to come forward.
Investigators are currently working to reconstruct the couple’s final movements inside Kruger National Park, including where they travelled after being seen at the Pafuri picnic site on Wednesday morning.
Authorities are also reviewing evidence gathered from the search operation, forensic examinations, and information from visitors who were in the area during the time of the disappearance.
SANParks has attempted to reassure visitors that the incident is being treated as isolated, while additional attention has reportedly been placed on security and monitoring operations in the northern region of the park.
The deaths of the Mossel Bay couple have shocked many South Africans, especially frequent visitors to Kruger National Park, where serious violent crimes involving tourists are considered extremely rare.
Police say the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Readers are encouraged to follow further updates as more information becomes available and to read related South African crime and investigation stories on our website.
Missing Persons in South Africa 2026
Across South Africa, many families are still searching for loved ones who have not returned home. Each case carries its own story and community appeal. If you recognise any of the names below or have information that may assist, please come forward and help bring answers to these families.
- Lindokuhle Siyoyo – Last seen in KwaZulu-Natal
- Duncan Gerhard Koekemoer – Missing person case update
- Gabriel Toyana – Ongoing investigation
- David Waterboer– Missing since Friday, 7 February 2025, Northern Cape
- Kelebogile More – Community appeal for information. Missing since 14 February 2026
You can view the full list of active cases on our Missing Persons in South Africa – Latest Updates page.
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