Another suspect arrested over double homicide in Kruger Park

Maputo, 16 Jun – The South African authorities have arrested a third Mozambican national allegedly involved in the murder of Mossel Bay couple Dina and Ernst Marais, in the Kruger National Park.

The individual, identified as Macandze Lionel da Marta (26), has been arrested in Zimbabwe while two others were arrested in the southern Mozambican province of Gaza.

The arrests followed coordinated cross-border operations involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), Mozambican law enforcement authorities, SANParks, Mozambique’s National Criminal Investigation Service (Sernic), the Zimbabwean Police Service, the Wildlife Justice Commission and Kruger National Park ranger services.

According to SAPS, cited by the South African press, was apprehended after evading authorities and fleeing into Zimbabwe. He is expected to be deported to Mozambique, where he will join two other suspects already in custody facing murder charges.

“This successful arrest underscores the strength of regional policing cooperation. Through SARPCCO, SADC member countries continue to share intelligence, coordinate operations and support one another in ensuring that criminals have no safe haven within our region. Our partnership with SERNIC and the Zimbabwean Police Service, once again demonstrates that united law enforcement efforts are more effective in combating transnational crime”, said Puleng Dimpane, SAPS commissioner.

“Our message is clear: criminals will be pursued across borders, and through collective regional efforts, will be brought before the courts to answer for their crimes”, he added.

The victims, aged 71 and 73, were reported missing after last being seen on 20 May at the Pafuri picnic site. Their bodies were discovered on 21 May near the remote Crooks Corner, at the confluence of the Limpopo and Levubu rivers in the Vhembe District.

Both had sustained multiple stab wounds. Their murders were the first of its kind in the park’s 100-year history. A murder and hijacking investigation was opened after their vehicle, a Ford Ranger double cab, was reported missing. It was recovered in Mozambican district of Chókwè, on 26 May.

The suspects face two counts of murder and hijacking. Additional charges could be added as investigations continue.

Am/