News

SANParks continues to mourn the tragic loss of two tourists whose bodies were discovered in the Pafuri section of the Kruger National Park (KNP) on Friday, 22 May 2026. This incident is unprecedented in the more than 2-million-hectare park that shares a combined 374-kilometre border with Mozambique and Zimbabwe. No similar occurrence has ever been recorded in its 100-year history.

Furthermore, yesterday, the Minister of Forestry Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucump, phoned the family to convey his condolences. Also, members of the SANParks Board, Executive Management and SAPS senior management visited the next of kin to extend condolences and offer support. During this engagement, the family shared that the couple were long standing, deeply committed visitors to Kruger – regular guests who strictly adhered to park rules and would never have placed themselves at risk by exiting their vehicle where it was prohibited.

Law enforcement officials in KNP have confirmed that gate security cameras prove that the missing car did not exit through any of the nine access gates or the two international border posts into Mozambique. In the vicinity, of the crime scene, KNP rangers followed what they believe to be tire tracks of the missing vehicle. The tracks point to a vehicle that was driven through the bush, over the fence and into Mozambique. There is however no confirmation that the tracks are of the missing vehicle.

Strengthening Risk Mitigation Measures

While SAPS continues to lead the investigation, whose outcomes will guide specific interventions needed to strengthen existing security capacity, SANParks is implementing additional risk mitigation measures across specific areas of concern in the Nxanatseni North Region. These actions will reinforce our ongoing commitment to visitor safety and operational readiness.

Key measures include:

• Deploying additional monitoring and ranger resources in specific areas of concern
• Enhancing technology systems to strengthen surveillance and early warning capabilities

Technology Supporting the Investigation

For security reasons, SANParks does not disclose operational security details. However, SANParks can confirm that existing technology systems assisted in identifying the vehicle linked to the missing tourists. This capability reflects SANParks’ sustained investment in modern technology to combat poaching and other illegal activities.

SANParks will continue to upgrade and expand technology infrastructure as part of its multi-year modernisation programme supporting both conservation and visitor safety in Kruger National Park.

SANParks emphasises that across its vast landscape, Kruger National Park remains a very safe area to visit and work at with effective security protocols that remains in place.

Commitment to Transparency and Safety

SANParks remains committed to:

• Supporting SAPS as the lead investigating authority
• Sharing verified information as it becomes available
• Ensuring the safety of visitors, staff, and wildlife

We again extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. Out of respect for the family and to protect the integrity of the investigation, SANParks will not provide further comments at this stage.