SANParks and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment say it has learned with shock that the bodies of two tourists, who were murdered, were discovered in the Pafuri section (Nxanatseni North Region) of the Kruger National Park.

A search operation was launched on Thursday evening, 21 May, after camp staff noticed the tourists had not returned to camp.

As the search continued, SANParks says other tourists made the “gruesome discovery of two bodies near a river area” on Friday.

Rangers were alerted, and it was also established that the vehicle the tourists had been travelling in was missing from the scene. The nationality of the tourists is not known.

Minister Willie Aucamp says it is the first time in the history of the Kruger National Park that an incident of this nature has been reported.

The next of kin of the deceased have been informed, and SANParks will assist the family with transport to Limpopo as well as accommodation and repatriation costs.

Aucamp, the Board and Management of SANParks has extended their deepest condolences to the affected family and friends.

The matter has now been referred to the Police, who will conduct further investigations.

He says out of respect for the family and to allow investigations to proceed unhindered, no further comment will be provided at this stage.

In a statement released on Saturday afternoon, Limpopo Police confirmed they had launched a manhunt for murder and hijacking suspects.

Police revealed that the bodies of the two tourists, a 71-year-old man and a yet-to-be-identified woman, were found floating at Cross Corner at the intersection of Levubu and the Limpopo River.

The Police, Emergency Medical Services personnel, SANParks officials and members of the Border Management Authority responded to the scene.

Preliminary investigations reveal that the victims were stabbed to death.

The vehicle believed to have been used by the victims, a green Ford Ranger double cab, is still missing.

Lieutenant General Hadebe has assured the public that maximum resources have been mobilised to ensure that those responsible are traced and brought to justice.

Anyone with information that may assist in the ongoing investigations is urged to contact the investigating officer, Lieutenant Colonel Rodney Ndou, on 082 807 2666 or 082 414 2481.