A third suspect linked to the brutal murder of a couple in the Kruger National Park has been arrested in Zimbabwe, marking a significant breakthrough in a complex cross-border investigation.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that the 26-year-old Mozambican national, identified as Macandze Lionel da Marta, was apprehended after evading authorities and fleeing into Zimbabwe.
He is expected to be deported to Mozambique, where he will join two other suspects already in custody facing murder charges.
The case stems from the killing of Mossel Bay couple, Dina and Ernst Marais, whose bodies were discovered in the park in May.
The couple had been reported missing after failing to return from a trip to the Pafuri campsite. Post-mortem findings revealed that both victims had sustained fatal injuries inflicted with a sharp object.
The first two suspects were arrested in Mozambique earlier this month, following the recovery of the couple’s stolen vehicle in Chokwe.
Authorities say the arrests were the result of coordinated efforts between SAPS, Mozambican law enforcement, park authorities, and other regional partners.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 31st Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO) meeting in Malawi, South Africa’s Acting National Commissioner Puleng Dimpane commended the seamless regional cooperation, specifically between SAPS, SANPARKS, the Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Republic of Mozambique (SERNIC) and the Zimbabwe Republic Police,
“This successful arrest underscores the strength of regional policing cooperation. Through SARPCCO, SADC member countries continue to share intelligence, coordinate operations and support one another in ensuring that criminals have no safe haven within our region. Our partnership with SERNIC and the Zimbabwean Police Service, once again demonstrates that united law enforcement efforts are more effective in combating transnational crime.”
She added that the operation sends a clear warning to criminals attempting to evade justice by crossing borders.
“Our message is clear: criminals will be pursued across borders, and through collective regional efforts, will be brought before the courts to answer for their crimes.”
South African authorities are expected to begin formal extradition processes to bring the suspects back to South Africa.
Investigations into the case remain ongoing, with police indicating that additional charges could still be added as more information comes to light.
Source: The Cloud of Mozambique
