Security was tightened at Kruger National Park after authorities found the bodies of two tourists on 22/5 near a river. According to the Cape Times newspaper, the victims were Ernst, 71, and his wife Dina, 73, from Mossel Bay, a town in southern South Africa.
The couple was last seen on 20/5 when they drove away from their resort within the national park for sightseeing but did not return. Resort staff subsequently reported the incident to South African National Parks (SANParks), triggering a large-scale search operation.
According to the Sun newspaper, the bodies of the two victims were found with their hands tied behind their backs. Ernst had multiple stab wounds, while Dina had multiple bruises. The couple's vehicle was missing.
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Rangers are patrolling Kruger National Park, South Africa's largest wildlife reserve. Photo: SCMP |
Rangers are patrolling Kruger National Park, South Africa's largest wildlife reserve. Photo: SCMP
An investigative source revealed that police suspect the two tourists had inadvertently encountered a cross-border wildlife poaching gang. The gang may have murdered the two victims to eliminate witnesses, then stole their pickup truck to cross the river and escape into Mozambique.
One of the couple's neighbors said police visited the victims' home in Mossel Bay, hoping that Ernst and Dina had returned. However, the house was empty.
"They were a pleasant couple, very fond of safaris; everyone is very shocked", the neighbor said.
"This is the first time in Kruger National Park's history that such a serious incident has occurred", South African Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Willie Aucamp stated in a press release. He extended his condolences to the victims' relatives and affirmed that the government would devote resources to apprehend the culprits.
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Inside Kruger National Park. Photo: Discovery Africa |
Inside Kruger National Park. Photo: Discovery Africa
Kruger National Park management also deployed more rangers and enhanced high-tech surveillance equipment in key border areas.
Kruger National Park is located in northeast South Africa, covering an area of 20,000 square kilometers and sharing a border over 370 kilometers long with Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It is the country's largest wildlife reserve and one of Africa's most popular tourist destinations.
Anh Minh (According to SCMP, People)
