South African National Parks (SANParks) says it is deploying additional rangers and strengthening surveillance measures following the killing of two international tourists in Kruger National Park.
The bodies of the tourists were discovered near a river in the park’s Pafuri section on Friday by other visitors.
Limpopo police have since opened investigations into two counts of murder and hijacking.
The couple had earlier been reported missing after failing to return to their accommodation as scheduled, prompting a large-scale search operation that began on Thursday evening after camp staff raised concerns.
SANParks spokesperson Reynold Thakhuli said preliminary investigations suggest the victims’ bakkie may have exited the park through the fence bordering Mozambique.
“The vehicle has not been found, but our rangers have done preliminary investigations and tyre tracks are pointing us to the car having exited the park through the fence into Mozambique,” Thakhuli said.
He described the incident as unprecedented in the park’s history.
“In the 100 years of Kruger National Park, it is the first time that we are seeing something of this magnitude,” he added.
SANParks said it is now enhancing surveillance systems and early warning capabilities as part of efforts to improve security within the park.
Meanwhile, Willie Aucamp has extended condolences to the families of the victims.