Thokozile Mnguni
A third suspect has been arrested in connection with the killing of Ernst Marais (71) and Dina Marais (73), a retired couple from Mossel Bay, at Kruger National Park last month, as investigators continue to make progress in the cross-border case.
Their bodies were discovered on May 22, with multiple stab wounds near Crooks Corner in the northern section of the park.
The arrest was confirmed today by Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, who said the breakthrough was the result of coordinated regional policing efforts.
She highlighted cooperation between SANPARKS, Mozambique’s Criminal Investigation Directorate (SERNIC) and the Zimbabwe Republic Police, which led to the latest arrest.
According to police, two suspects were previously arrested in Mozambique on 1 and 2 June 2026, during which the couple’s vehicle was also recovered. The third suspect fled to Zimbabwe but was later traced and apprehended.
The 26-year-old Mozambican national, Macandze Lionel da Marta, was arrested in Zimbabwe and is expected to be deported to Mozambique to face charges alongside the other two suspects.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 31st SARPCCO Chiefs of Police Meeting in Malawi, Lieutenant General Dimpane said the arrest demonstrates that criminals cannot evade justice by crossing borders.
She added that through SARPCCO, SADC member countries continue to share intelligence and coordinate operations to ensure offenders are brought before the courts.
“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,” she said.