THE FINAL 22-SECOND CALL: The son of elderly couple Ernst and Dina Marais has publicly shared what he claims was the final phone call with his parents just moments before the tragedy that shocked Kruger National Park.

According to family sources, the emotional 22-second recording was recovered from the son’s mobile phone after investigators requested copies of all recent communications connected to the couple’s final known movements inside the park.

The short call reportedly began normally, with Ernst Marais calmly telling his son that they had briefly stopped near a river area after their vehicle experienced minor trouble on a dirt road. In the background, faint sounds of wind and rushing water could reportedly be heard as the couple attempted to explain their location.

But only seconds later, the tone of the call suddenly changed.

According to the family’s account, Ernst’s voice reportedly became tense before the sound of movement and confusion interrupted the conversation. Investigators say the audio then captured several unclear noises before Dina Marais could be heard screaming two final haunting words:

“Behind us!”

The call allegedly disconnected immediately afterward.

The couple’s son later described the recording as “the most terrifying moment” of his life, saying he replayed the final seconds repeatedly after learning his parents had disappeared.

“I knew something was wrong the moment I heard my mother scream,” he reportedly told local media. “But I never imagined it would end like this.”

Authorities have not publicly released the audio recording and continue urging the public not to spread unverified theories online. However, investigators confirmed they are carefully analyzing the final call as part of the ongoing forensic investigation into the deaths of Ernst and Dina Marais.

Police sources say audio specialists are currently reviewing background sounds from the recording in hopes of identifying clues related to the couple’s surroundings and possible movements during their final moments.

The tragedy began earlier this month after the elderly couple failed to return from a sightseeing trip near a remote area inside Kruger National Park. Following a large-scale search operation involving rangers, divers, and helicopters, their bodies were eventually discovered near a crocodile-inhabited river region several days later.

Although rumors surrounding the case have continued spreading rapidly online, authorities have not officially confirmed whether foul play was involved. Investigators say several possibilities remain under review while forensic teams continue collecting evidence.

Friends and relatives described Ernst and Dina Marais as a devoted couple who loved nature, photography, and traveling together throughout South Africa’s national parks.

“They were careful people,” one family friend said. “That’s what makes this entire case feel so unsettling.”

Since news of the alleged final phone call surfaced online, thousands of people have expressed heartbreak for the Marais family, with many saying the final two words spoken by Dina Marais continue haunting everyone who hears about the tragedy.

Authorities say additional details may be released once forensic examinations and digital analyses are fully completed.