TRAGEDY IN KRUGER: TOURISTS FOUND DEAD

A holiday in the world-famous Kruger National Park ended in tragedy after the bodies of two tourists were discovered in the remote Pafuri section of the park.

According to a statement issued by the South African National Parks (SANParks), a search operation was launched on the evening of 21 May after camp staff became concerned when the tourists failed to return to camp.

The search continued the following day and took a grim turn when other tourists discovered the two bodies near a river area in the Nxanatseni North Region of the park on Friday, 22 May.

Park rangers were immediately alerted. It was also established that the vehicle the tourists had been travelling in was missing from the scene.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, described the incident as unprecedented in the history of the Kruger National Park.

“It is the first time in the history of the Kruger National Park that an incident of this nature has been reported,” the minister said.

The next of kin have been informed, and SANParks has pledged to assist the family with transport, accommodation and repatriation costs.

The minister, SANParks board and management extended their condolences to the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time.

The matter has been handed over to the South African Police Service for further investigation. SANParks said no further details will be released at this stage to respect the family’s privacy and to allow investigators to carry out their work without interference.