Skukuza: South African National Parks South African National Parks has announced plans to strengthen security measures in isolated areas of the Kruger National Park following the tragic discovery of two tourists who went missing in the park last week. The bodies of the tourists were discovered on Friday near a river area in the northern section of the park after a search operation was launched when the couple failed to return to their camp on Thursday evening.
According to South African Government News Agency, speaking to members of the media on Sunday at Skukuza, SANParks Head of Communication and Spokesperson, Reynold Thakhuli, described the incident as unprecedented in the park's history. Thakhuli extended condolences to the family and friends of the victims, emphasizing the rarity of such incidents in the 100-year history of the Kruger National Park.
Preliminary investigations conducted by park rangers revealed that the tourists' vehicle remains missing, with tyre tracks suggesting it may have exited the park through a fence into neighbouring Mozambique. Thakhuli confirmed that the vehicle did not leave through any official gate and highlighted the existing technology used to track vehicles within the park.
The incident has prompted SANParks to reassess security in remote sections of the park despite existing surveillance systems. Thakhuli stated that SANParks would issue a statement outlining mitigation measures aimed at improving security across the park. SANParks executives and police representatives have met with the victims' family, pledging continued support throughout the process.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has been briefed on the incident and engaged SANParks leadership to ensure continued cooperation with the investigation conducted by the South African Police Service. Aucamp extended condolences to the victims' family on behalf of SANParks and the Department.