Ernst Marais (71) and Dina Marais (73), an elderly couple from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape, have become the centre of a major cross-border murder investigation after two Mozambican nationals were arrested in connection with their deaths inside the Kruger National Park in Limpopo.
The arrests were confirmed by the South African Police Service (SAPS), who say the suspects were positively linked to the crime following an extensive investigation involving South African and Mozambican authorities. The case has developed into a coordinated international operation after the couple’s stolen vehicle was traced across the border into Mozambique.
The investigation has drawn national attention, not only because of the violent nature of the crime, but also because of the scale of cooperation between law enforcement agencies across South Africa and Mozambique.
What Happened to Ernst and Dina Marais in Kruger National Park
According to SAPS, Ernst Marais and Dina Marais entered the Kruger National Park on Sunday, 17 May 2026, during what was believed to be a holiday trip in the northern region of the reserve. The couple, who are from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape, were last seen alive on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, at the Pafuri Picnic Site.
After that final sighting, the couple failed to return to their accommodation as expected. Camp staff raised the alarm when attempts to contact them were unsuccessful, prompting a large-scale search operation in the remote northern section of the park.
Search teams from South African National Parks (SANParks), SAPS, and supporting emergency units were deployed. Helicopters and ground teams combed the area surrounding Pafuri and Crooks’ Corner, one of the most isolated regions of Kruger National Park, located near the borders of Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
On Thursday, 21 May 2026, the search ended in tragedy when the bodies of Ernst Marais and Dina Marais were discovered near Crooks’ Corner at the intersection of the Levubu and Limpopo rivers within the Masisi policing area in the Vhembe District.
Preliminary investigations revealed that both victims had sustained multiple stab wounds. Police immediately opened murder and hijacking cases as investigators began reconstructing the couple’s final movements inside the park.
The couple’s green Ford Ranger double-cab bakkie was reported missing at the time of their disappearance, becoming a key focus of the investigation.
Kruger National Park Murder Investigation and Missing Ford Ranger Breakthrough
The missing Ford Ranger would later become the turning point in the case.
SAPS confirmed that the vehicle was recovered on 26 May 2026 in Chókwè, Mozambique. Investigators say the recovery of the bakkie played a critical role in tracing those allegedly involved in the murders of Ernst Marais and Dina Marais.
The vehicle recovery linked the investigation across borders and triggered a coordinated response between South African law enforcement, Mozambican authorities, SANParks, and other role players involved in serious and violent crime investigations.
According to SAPS, the recovery of the vehicle directly led to the arrest of the first suspect in Chókwè on Monday, 1 June 2026. A second suspect was later arrested in Xai-Xai city in Gaza Province on Tuesday, 2 June 2026.
Both suspects are Mozambican nationals aged 32 and 33. Police say they have been positively linked to the murders of the elderly couple and are now facing two counts of murder and hijacking. Additional charges may be added as the investigation continues.
Authorities say the suspects are expected to appear in court in Maputo, Mozambique.
Cross-Border Police Operation and Investigation Timeline in Limpopo
The investigation into the deaths of Ernst and Dina Marais has become one of the most significant cross-border operations involving Kruger National Park in recent years.
SAPS confirmed that the case involved close cooperation between South African police, Mozambican law enforcement agencies, SANParks, and other supporting security structures.
The sequence of events outlined by SAPS is as follows:
- 17 May 2026: Ernst and Dina Marais enter Kruger National Park
- 20 May 2026: Last seen alive at Pafuri Picnic Site
- 21 May 2026: Bodies discovered near Crooks’ Corner
- 26 May 2026: Stolen Ford Ranger recovered in Chókwè, Mozambique
- 1 June 2026: First suspect arrested in Chókwè
- 2 June 2026: Second suspect arrested in Xai-Xai
The case has highlighted both the remote nature of northern Kruger National Park and the challenges faced by law enforcement in policing border areas where South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe meet.
Crooks’ Corner, where the bodies were discovered, is known for its isolated terrain and proximity to international borders, making it a complex environment for both search operations and criminal investigations.
Authorities have not yet disclosed a possible motive for the murders, but investigations remain ongoing.
Latest Update on the Ernst and Dina Marais Murder Case
SAPS has described the arrests as a breakthrough in the investigation into the deaths of Ernst and Dina Marais. Officials say the case demonstrates the effectiveness of cross-border cooperation in tackling serious and violent crime in the region.
The suspects are currently in custody in Mozambique and are expected to appear in court in Maputo as legal proceedings begin. Investigators are continuing to gather additional evidence and have not ruled out further charges.
Police have urged anyone with further information related to the case or the movements of the suspects and vehicle to come forward.
The murder investigation remains active as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the deaths of the Mossel Bay couple inside Kruger National Park.
Readers are encouraged to follow further updates as the case progresses and more details emerge from court proceedings and ongoing investigations.
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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