Deaths of Two St Stithians Students Spark Murder Investigation at Mpumalanga Lodge
Police transition to murder investigation after forensic findings at Mpumalanga lodge.
Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, a 17-year-old Grade 11 pupil at St Stithians Girls’ College in Sandton, and Ethan Coetzee, 19, a 2025 matriculant from St Stithians Boys’ College, were found dead at a lodge in Sabie, Mpumalanga, on the morning of Monday, 3 August. Graham Coetzee made the discovery. Police received notification at approximately 7:50am, and members of the South African Police Service declared both teenagers dead at the scene upon arrival.
The investigation has since changed course. SAPS initially opened an inquest docket, but transitioned to a murder investigation after forensic results became available. Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed in a statement released on Friday that postmortem findings suggest the 17-year-old female may have been strangled, while the 19-year-old male may have taken his own life. The Waldeck-Cooks family engaged an independent pathologist, whose preliminary findings indicate Cameron died as a result of strangulation and suffocation. Police subsequently confirmed the murder investigation is open and ongoing.
Additional reference context is available at https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/crime/an-immeasurable-void-murder-case-opened-after-teens-found-dead-at-mpumalanga-lodge/.
Cameron had traveled to Sabie with two families for a hiking trip. The journey formed part of her work toward the gold level of The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment, the South African iteration of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, and was designed to fulfill a requirement of that programme.
In a Facebook statement, her parents, Derrick Cooks and Claire Waldeck-Cooks, described their daughter as kind-hearted, warm and determined, a young woman with quiet strength who cared deeply for those around her and naturally encouraged younger girls who looked up to her. They said her death has left an immeasurable void in their lives and announced plans to hold a memorial service later in August.
Meanwhile, conflicting and unverified accounts have circulated widely, fueling speculation about the circumstances of the deaths. The Waldeck-Cooks family appealed directly to the public not to present speculation as fact while the investigation and forensic process continue. Masondo confirmed that police are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
St Stithians College released a statement tracing Cameron’s journey at the school. She began in Grade R in 2025 (the school’s earliest year of entry) and became, in the school’s words, a loved and valued member of the Saints family. She was an accomplished sportswoman in rowing and netball, respected for her commitment and leadership, and served as a supportive mentor and big sister to younger rowers. The school said she will be remembered for her kindness, warmth and determination, and for the resilience and genuine care she brought to those around her.
St Stithians Boys’ College extended condolences to Coetzee’s family and friends. Coetzee completed his Grade R to Grade 12 journey at Saints from 2013 to 2025. The school described him as a young man of strength, commitment and humility who excelled as a 1st XV Rugby Colours recipient and national champion in Eventing. He was a respected senior in Penryn House, known for his warmth, charisma and support of juniors, with a natural ability to instill confidence in others and make those around him feel seen and valued.
Cameron’s parents expressed profound gratitude for the compassion shown by the Saints community, including Cameron’s friends and the netball and rowing communities, saying that kindness has sustained them through an unimaginably painful time. St Stithians College extended its deep condolences to both the Waldeck-Cooks and Coetzee families, as well as to the class of 2025.
With the murder investigation active and forensic work continuing, the question of what happened inside that Sabie lodge remains unanswered.
Q&A
What was the timeline of the discovery and police response?
Cameron Waldeck-Cooks and Ethan Coetzee were found dead at a lodge in Sabie, Mpumalanga on the morning of Monday, August 3. Graham Coetzee made the discovery. Police received notification at approximately 7:50am, and members of the South African Police Service declared both teenagers dead at the scene upon arrival.
How did the investigation classification change and why?
SAPS initially opened an inquest docket, but transitioned to a murder investigation after forensic results became available. Postmortem findings suggest the 17-year-old female may have been strangled, while the 19-year-old male may have taken his own life.
What were the circumstances of Cameron's presence at the lodge?
Cameron had traveled to Sabie with two families for a hiking trip as part of her work toward the gold level of The President's Award for Youth Empowerment, the South African iteration of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.
What did the independent pathologist's findings indicate?
The Waldeck-Cooks family engaged an independent pathologist whose preliminary findings indicate Cameron died as a result of strangulation and suffocation.