LIMPOPO – Police have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of the bodies of two tourists in the Pafuri section of the Kruger National Park on Friday afternoon.

Limpopo police on Saturday confirmed the victims, a man (71) and a woman whose identity is still being confirmed, were found near Cross Corner at the intersection of the Levubu and Limpopo rivers in the Masisi policing area of Vhembe District.

According to police, the pair arrived at one of the camps in the Kruger National Park on Sunday, 17 May, driving a green Ford Ranger double cab. They were last seen on Wednesday morning, 20 May, at the Pafuri picnic site. A search operation was initiated when they failed to return.

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Tourists discovered the bodies on Friday, 22 May, and immediately alerted authorities. Police, emergency medical services personnel, SANParks officials, and members of the Border Management Authority responded to the scene.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the male victim sustained stab wounds to the upper body, while the female victim suffered severe wounds to the upper body allegedly inflicted with a sharp object.

The green Ford Ranger double cab believed to have been used by the victims has gone missing. Police have opened two counts of murder and a case of hijacking.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has mobilised a team of experienced investigators at provincial level to track down the suspects. She assured the public that maximum resources have been deployed to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

The South African Police Service is working closely with Kruger National Park authorities as the investigation continues.

SANParks has also issued a statement on their website confirming the tragic incident, adding that “It is the first time in the history of the Kruger National Park that an incident of this nature has been reported”.

The conservation authority said the next of kin of the deceased have been informed and the organisation will assist the family with transport to Limpopo as well as accommodation and repatriation costs.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, earlier expressed condolences to the family on behalf of SANParks and the Department.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the investigating officer, Lieutenant Colonel Rodney Ndou, on 082 807 2666 or 082 414 2481, contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or use the MySAPSApp anonymously.