Two suspects have been arrested in Mozambique in connection with the brutal murder of retired Mossel Bay couple Ernst and Dina Marais in the Kruger National Park nearly two weeks ago.

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, announced the breakthrough in a statement on Wednesday.

“We said that these criminals would be apprehended, and that is exactly what has happened. I would like to thank all of those who have worked tirelessly and collaboratively from the onset to secure this breakthrough.”

Aucamp says the arrests are the result of effective cross-border cooperation between Serviço Nacional de Investigação Criminal (SERNIC), Mozambique’s agency responsible for investigating serious and organised crime; the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC); and Kruger National Park Ranger Services.

Police confirmed that the victims’ stolen vehicle, a Ford Ranger double cab, was recovered on 26 May in Chókwè, Mozambique.

The recovery of the vehicle led to the arrest of the first suspect in Chókwè on Monday, 1 June. The second suspect was subsequently arrested in Xai-Xai city, Gaza province, on Tuesday, 2 June.

Aucamp says South Africa will now start the formal extradition process to get the suspects to South Africa to stand trial.

“I have engaged with my colleagues in the Departments of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and Justice to emphasise the importance of securing the suspects’ return to South Africa to face the full might of the law.”

The Minister has also expressed his appreciation to the dedicated personnel at the South African National Parks (SANParks), South African Police Service (SAPS), Mozambican authorities, and conservation partners for their commitment and cooperation, which he says were instrumental in achieving this outcome.

Aucamp says criminal activity will not be tolerated in South Africa’s national parks, and he has called on communities and law enforcement agencies to continue working together to safeguard these protected areas.

“While the Marais family has suffered a devastating loss, I hope that these arrests will provide some measure of comfort to them as they continue to navigate this difficult journey.”