By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The bodies of two tourists have been found in the northern section (Nxanatseni North Region) of the Kruger National Park after they failed to return to their camp.
According to a statement issued by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the bodies were discovered on Friday, 22 May 2026, near a river.
On Thursday evening, camp staff noticed the tourists had not returned to the camp.
As the search continued, other tourists made the gruesome discovery when they found the two bodies near a river and alerted rangers.
It remains unclear what led to the death of two tourists.
The DFFE minister Willie Aucamp said the families of the victims had been located and notified of the tragedy.
Aucamp said the organisation will assist the family with repatriation costs.
“The Board and Management of SANParks extend their deepest condolences to the affected family and friends. The matter is now referred to the Police, who will conduct further investigations,” said the Minister.
The matter has been referred to the South African Police Service (Saps), who will conduct further investigations.
Aucamp, meanwhile has commended law enforcement authorities for the successful apprehension of poachers in Simon’s Town and Grabouw.
Two operations conducted on 21 May and 22 May 2026 respectively, led to the arrest of poachers.
In the first operation, arrests were made near Partridge Point in Simon’s Town and 106 units of abalone was seized. In the second operation which was done in collaboration between Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Cape Nature and Provincial Traffic, a suspected vehicle transporting illegally harvested abalone was intercepted near Grabouw and was pursued to Nomzamo near Gordonsbay. The driver was arrested and a total of 8686 units of abalone was seized.
In total, 8686 units of shucked abalone, weighing 892.41 kg with an estimated street value of approximately R1 636 082.025, was seized.
These operations demonstrate the unwavering commitment of our law enforcement agencies, working with the DFFE, to protecting South Africa’s marine resources.
“I issue a stern warning to poachers and anyone contemplating poaching: zero tolerance will be given for these criminal activities,” said Aucamp. “The vehicles and vessels you use to poach marine resources will be seized, and you will face the full might of the law. Poachers will find no safe harbour in South Africa.”
Aucamp commended the rapid response and collaboration between DFFE, SANparks Seam Rangers and K9 units, Cape Nature, City of Cape Town and Provincial Traffic, that led to these arrests and seizures.
The suspects are expected to face serious charges relating to illegal harvesting of marine resources, possession of illegally obtained abalone, and other related offences.
The minister added that the Department continues to work closely with all spheres of government and communities to combat organised poaching syndicates and protect our valuable marine biodiversity for future generations. Public is urged to report environmental crime on 0800 205 005.