AfriForum has described the brutal killing of two local tourists in the Kruger National Park as a matter of “national importance”, warning that the shocking incident has raised serious fears about visitor safety at one of South Africa’s most iconic tourism destinations.
The victims, believed to be a couple from Mossel Bay in their seventies who were known for their love of nature, were found murdered near Crooks Corner in the northern section of the park.
The civil rights organisation extended condolences to the victims’ families while urging authorities to ensure complete transparency around the investigation into the deaths, which are believed to be among the most disturbing incidents reported in the park’s history.
“This incident has sent shockwaves across the country and raises serious concerns about the safety of visitors to this world-renowned heritage site.”
AfriForum further warned that any indication of criminal activity inside the park would be deeply alarming and required urgent intervention.
“The safety of all people in South Africa, including tourists and visitors to national heritage sites, is a matter of national importance. AfriForum therefore urges the authorities to utilise all available resources to establish the facts of the case and bring those responsible to justice,” said Jacques Broodryk.
This comes as Limpopo police intensified a manhunt for suspects linked to the murders following the discovery of the couple’s bodies near Crooks Corner at the intersection of the Levubu and Limpopo rivers in the Kruger National Park.
According to police, the victims, a 71-year-old man and a woman whose identity is still being confirmed, had reportedly arrived at one of the camps in the park on Sunday, May 17, travelling in a green Ford Ranger double cab.
The pair were last seen on Wednesday morning at the Pafuri picnic site before they disappeared, prompting a search operation after they failed to return.
The discovery was made on Friday afternoon when tourists reportedly spotted two bodies floating near the banks of the Levubu River and immediately alerted authorities.
Police, emergency services personnel, SANParks officials, and members of the Border Management Authority responded to the scene.
Preliminary investigations revealed that both victims sustained severe upper-body wounds allegedly inflicted with a sharp object. Police confirmed that the male victim suffered stab wounds, while the female victim also sustained extensive injuries.
The victims’ vehicle, believed to be the green Ford Ranger double cab they were travelling in, remains missing.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, with police opening cases of murder and hijacking as investigations continue.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has since mobilised a team of experienced provincial investigators to track down those responsible.
Police said maximum resources have been deployed as authorities work alongside SANParks officials to piece together the circumstances surrounding the killings.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp has also weighed in on the tragedy, confirming that he had engaged SANParks leadership to ensure continued cooperation with the SAPS investigation.
“On behalf of SANParks and the Department, we extend our sincere condolences to the family of the victims during this difficult time,” said Aucamp.
He further confirmed that SAPS and SANParks had located and notified the victims’ family, while the investigation continues.
Police have urged anyone with information linked to the case to contact authorities, use the MySAPSApp anonymously, or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
The Star
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