Authorities are investigating the tragic deaths of two tourists whose bodies were discovered in the northern section of the Kruger National Park (KNP), in what officials say is an unprecedented incident for the iconic conservation area.
The bodies were found on Friday, 22 May 2026, in the Pafuri section of the park’s Nxanatseni North Region after a search operation was launched the previous evening when camp staff noticed the tourists had failed to return to their accommodation.
According to the South African National Parks (SANParks), the search resumed on Friday and led to the gruesome discovery near a river area after other tourists alerted park rangers.
“Rangers were alerted and it was also established that the vehicle the tourists had been travelling in was missing from the scene,” SANParks said, adding that the matter has now been handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for further investigation.
The disappearance of the tourists’ vehicle has intensified scrutiny around the circumstances surrounding the deaths, with authorities remaining tight-lipped as investigations continue.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, said he had engaged with SANParks leadership to ensure continued cooperation with SAPS.
“The matter is now referred to the Police who will conduct further investigations,” said Aucamp. “Out of respect for the family and to allow investigations to proceed unhindered, no further comment will be provided at this stage.”
Aucamp described the incident as deeply tragic, extending condolences to the victims’ loved ones.
“On behalf of SANParks and the Department, we extend our sincere condolences to the family of the victims during this difficult time,” he said.
“The next of kin of the deceased have been informed and the organisation 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.”
Aucamp also noted the gravity of the case, saying, “It is the first time in the history of the Kruger National Park that an incident of this nature has been reported.”
Civil rights organisation AfriForum has also called for the investigation to be treated as a matter of national importance, warning that the incident raises serious concerns about visitor safety in one of South Africa’s most prominent tourist destinations.
“This incident has sent shockwaves across the country and raises serious concerns about the safety of visitors to this world-renowned heritage site,” said Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum’s Chief Spokesperson for Community Safety.
“Visitors urgently require clarity and transparency regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident, as this appears to be the first incident of its kind in the history of the Kruger National Park. Any indication of possible criminal involvement would be extremely concerning and must be thoroughly investigated to ensure the safety of current and future visitors.”
Broodryk urged authorities to deploy all available resources to establish what happened and bring those responsible to justice.
“The safety of all people in South Africa, including tourists and visitors to national heritage sites, is a matter of national importance,” he said.
Police have not yet released further details, and authorities say no additional information will be made public while the investigation is underway.
Saturday Star