The bodies of two tourists have been discovered floating in a crocodile-infested river at a South African safari park. The victims, believed to be a 71-year-old man and his wife, were allegedly stabbed to death. Police have now initiated a double murder investigation following the tragic discovery of the tourists' remains.
Discovery at Kruger National Park
Their bodies were found in the Limpopo River at Kruger National Park, located in northeastern South Africa. The tourists had been reported missing, prompting rangers to desperately search the safari park, which is approximately the size of Wales. They were last seen entering through the Pafuri Gate on Sunday in a green Ford Ranger, but after three days, there was no sign of them. A search was launched on Thursday evening after staff realized the couple had not returned to camp. When their corpses were discovered on Friday, the vehicle they had been traveling in was nowhere to be seen.
Location of the Incident
The bodies were left floating in the crocodile-infested river at a picnic site in Crook's Corner, a river crossing where the borders of South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique meet. This area is approximately 20 minutes by car from the camp where the victims had been staying. According to South African National Parks, this is 'the first time in the history of the Kruger National Park' that an incident of this nature has been reported.
Official Response
South African National Parks (SANParks) expressed shock and sadness upon learning of the couple's deaths. In a statement, the organization said: 'The management of South African National Parks has learned with shock and sadness of the discovery of bodies of two tourists in the Pafuri section of the Kruger National Park on Friday, 22 May 2026. A search operation was launched on Thursday, 21 May 2026 evening after camp staff noticed the tourists had not returned to camp. The search continued on Friday, leading to the gruesome discovery of two bodies near a river area by other tourists. Rangers were alerted, and it was also established that the vehicle the tourists had been traveling in was missing from the scene.'
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, reacted: 'It is the first time in the history of the Kruger National Park that an incident of this nature has been reported.' He added: 'The next of kin of the deceased have been informed, and the organization will assist the family with transport to Limpopo as well as accommodation and repatriation costs. Minister Aucamp, the Board and Management of SANParks extend their deepest condolences to the affected family and friends. The matter is now referred to the Police, who will conduct further investigations. Furthermore, out of respect for the family and to allow investigations to proceed unhindered, no further comment will be provided at this stage.'
Police Investigation
According to SABC News, the victims suffered multiple stab wounds to their upper bodies. Police spokesperson Hlulani Mashaba stated: 'The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear at this stage, and the police have opened two counts of murder and hijacking for further investigation. Lieutenant General Hadebe has assured the public that maximum resources have been mobilized to ensure that those responsible are traced and brought to justice. The South African Police Service is working closely with Kruger National Park authorities as investigations continue.'
Background on Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park covers over 7,500 square miles of land in northeastern South Africa. Areas of the park first became protected in 1898, and it became the country's first national park 100 years ago in 1926. In 2024, nearly two million people visited the safari park.
