PRETORIA — A major corruption scandal linked to Kruger National Park has exploded after a key insider witness was found dead in his maximum-security cell — just hours after allegedly naming powerful figures in a massive smuggling network.

The former Kruger National Park security officer, who admitted selling gate access codes in the brutal murder case of elderly couple Ernst and Dina Marais, was discovered lifeless in Cell 4B early Monday morning. Officials called it a suicide, but sources claim CCTV cameras in the area mysteriously went offline for 45 minutes during the incident.

According to leaks, the insider had whispered the name of a high-level “Puppet Master” in Pretoria during interrogation before accepting a plea deal. Independent experts question the official narrative, with one detective reportedly saying, “Someone got to him.”

The scandal has deepened with the leak of a “Black Ledger” detailing bribes paid to officials, causing at least one senior commander to flee the country. Meanwhile, the alleged cartel boss linked to the syndicate was reportedly poisoned in custody and is now begging for extradition.

The case continues to send shockwaves through South African politics as more revelations are expected.