Police in Limpopo have made a major breakthrough into the brutal murder of Mr and Mrs Marais aged 71 and 73, whose bodies were discovered at Crooks Corner in the Kruger National Park on 22 May 2026.
Through coordinated cross-border investigations conducted by the South African Police Service, Mozambican law enforcement authorities, SANParks and other role players, two Mozambican nationals aged 32 and 33 have been arrested in Mozambique in connection with the murders and positively linked to the crime.
The victims’ stolen vehicle, a Ford Ranger double cab, was recovered on 26 May 2026 in Chókwè, Mozambique. The recovery of the vehicle led to the arrest of the first suspect in Chókwè on Monday, 01 June 2026. The second suspect was subsequently arrested in Xai-Xai city, Gaza province on Tuesday, 02 June 2026.
The breakthrough is the result of extensive collaboration between the South African Police Service, Mozambican law enforcement authorities, SANParks and other role players.
The victims were reported missing after they were last seen on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, at the Pafuri Picnic Site in the Kruger National Park. A search operation was subsequently launched after they failed to return.
On Thursday, 21 May 2026, their bodies were discovered near Crooks Corner at the intersection of the Levubu and Limpopo rivers within the Kruger National Park under the Masisi policing area in the Vhembe District. Preliminary investigations revealed that both victims had sustained multiple stab wounds. Their vehicle was also reported missing, prompting police to open cases of murder and hijacking for investigation.
The suspects are facing two counts of murder and hijacking. Additional charges may be added as investigations continue.
The suspects are expected to appear today, in Maputo, Mozambique.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the Provincial investigators and all stakeholders involved for their dedication and commitment in ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
“The arrests mark a significant milestone in the investigation and demonstrate the effectiveness of cross-border cooperation in combating serious and violent crime. We extend our appreciation to the Mozambican law enforcement authorities, SANParks and all role players whose efforts contributed to this breakthrough,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
Freeze Queen
Laaitie – a young male [light-e] This term is used to describe a male in his teens or early twenties.
Cali Yacht
A Priest was seated next to Van Der Merwe on a flight to Brakpan.
After the plane was airborne, drink orders were taken.
Van Der Merwe asked for a Rum and Coke, which was brought and placed before him.
The flight attendant then asked the priest if he would like a drink.
He replied in disgust \”I\’d rather be savagely raped by a dozen whores than let liquor touch my lips.\”
Van Der Merwe then handed his drink back to the attendant and said \”Me too, I didn\’t know we had a choice.\”