Update

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - A Mossel Bay couple who were brutally murdered in the Kruger National Park, Ernst (71) and Dina (73) Marais, had a deep love of Mossel Bay and the South African bushveld.

This was according to their nephew, Hjalmar van Gessellen (53), who spoke to Mossel Bay Advertiser following the shocking discovery of the couple’s bodies by some tourists on Friday 22 May, at the lookout point on the riverbank near Crooks Corner in the Kruger National Park.

Both victims had sustained stab wounds. Their green double-cab Ford Ranger bakkie is still missing and no arrests have yet been made.

According to Van Gessellen, the couple did not have children, but shared a close bond with their family and a passion for travel and the outdoors.

“They had a house in Mossel Bay and another in Hoedspruit. They would spend the winter months in Hoedspruit and then return to Mossel Bay,” he said.

Van Gessellen said the couple had lived in Mossel Bay for several years.

The couple had a home in Fynbos Heights in Mossel Bay. Photo:  Gabriélla Siebritz 

“They were two soft-hearted people who loved camping. They were very fond of the Kruger National Park, which is why they also had a home in Hoedspruit.”

He said Dina had celebrated her birthday on Tuesday 19 May, and the couple had been visiting the park to celebrate the occasion.

According to Van Gessellen, the couple also regularly travelled to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

Meanwhile, AfriForum has described the killings as a matter of “national importance”, warning that the brutal attack has sparked serious concern over visitor safety at one of South Africa’s most iconic tourism destinations.

AfriForum's chief spokesperson, Jacques Broodryk, said the murders had sent shockwaves across the country.

“The safety of all people in South Africa, including tourists and visitors to national heritage sites, is a matter of national importance.”

Ernst’s sister lives in Plettenberg Bay.

No funeral arrangements have yet been made.

Police investigations are continuing.

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Mossel Bay couple found murdered in Kruger National Park

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