By Mapaballo Borotho
- A third suspect has been arrested in Zimbabwe in connection with the brutal murder of a couple in the Kruger National Park.
- The 26-year-old Mozambican national allegedly fled across the border after two other suspects were arrested and the victims’ vehicle was recovered in Mozambique.
- Police say the arrest highlights the effectiveness of regional cooperation between law enforcement agencies in southern Africa.
A third suspect has been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of a couple who were found dead in the Kruger National Park.
His arrest follows that of two other suspects who were apprehended in Mozambique earlier this month. The couple’s vehicle was also recovered in Mozambique during the same period.
The third suspect allegedly evaded arrest and fled to Zimbabwe, where he was subsequently traced and apprehended.
The 26-year-old Mozambican national, Macandze Lionel da Marta, was arrested in Zimbabwe and is expected to be deported to Mozambique to face charges relating to the murders alongside the two other suspects.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 31st SARPCCO Chiefs of Police Meeting in Malawi, Lieutenant General Dimpane said the arrest demonstrates that criminals cannot evade justice by crossing international borders.
“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 said.
In May 2025, police launched a manhunt for suspects allegedly involved in the brutal murder of two tourists in the Kruger National Park.
The tourists’ lifeless bodies were discovered near Cross Corner, at the intersection of the Levubu and Limpopo rivers inside the park.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the male victim sustained stab wounds to his upper body, while the female victim also suffered severe upper-body injuries allegedly inflicted with a sharp object.
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