FULL family statement after St Stithians pupil ‘murdered
Police have opened a murder investigation following post-mortem examinations into the deaths of St Stithians College Grade 11 learner Cameron Waldeck-Cooks…
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Police have opened a murder investigation following post-mortem examinations into the deaths of St Stithians College Grade 11 learner Cameron Waldeck-Cooks and alumnus Ethan Coetzee, who were found dead at a lodge in Sabie, Mpumalanga, earlier this week.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed on Friday that the post-mortem findings suggest the 17-year-old Waldeck-Cooks may have been strangled, while the 19-year-old Coetzee is believed to have died by suicide.
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The pair were discovered at a lodge in Sabie on Monday, prompting police to initially register an inquest docket while investigations got underway.
However, following the outcome of the post-mortem examinations, detectives have added a murder charge to the investigation.
“The South African Police Service in Mpumalanga is now investigating a case of murder and an inquest following the deaths of two teenagers at a certain lodge in Sabie,” police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said.
“An inquest docket was initially opened. However, following post-mortem results, a case of murder was added.”
Masondo said the post-mortem findings indicated that “the 17-year-old female may have been strangled, while the 19-year-old male may have taken his own life.”
Following the news, Derrick Cooks, father of Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, released a statement in conjunction with Cameron’s mother, Claire Waldeck-Cooks.
Our beloved daughter, Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, was a 17-year-old Grade 11 student at St Stithians Girls’ College.
Cameron was working towards the Gold level of The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment, the South African implementation of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. As part of the programme, she was preparing to complete a multi-day adventurous journey. When she was invited to join two families on a hiking trip in Sabie, Mpumalanga, she saw it as an opportunity to work towards that goal.
We were notified on the morning of 3rd of August 2026 that Graham Coetzee discovered her body.
We appointed an independent forensic pathologist who has advised us that his preliminary findings indicate that Cameron died as a result of strangulation and suffocation. The police have confirmed that they have opened a murder investigation.
We are aware that conflicting and unverified accounts concerning the circumstances of Cameron’s death have been reported. We ask that speculation not be presented as fact while the investigation and forensic processes remain ongoing.
Cameron was a deeply loved daughter, sister, family member, friend and student. She was kind-hearted, warm and determined. She had a quiet strength, cared deeply for those around her, and naturally encouraged and supported younger girls who looked up to her. Her loss has left an immeasurable void in our lives.
We are profoundly grateful for the compassion and support shown to our family by the entire Saints community, including Cameron’s…