The death of 17-year-old St Stithians Girls' College learner Cameron Waldeck-Cooks remains the subject of a murder investigation.
The death of 17-year-old St Stithians Girls’ College learner Cameron Waldeck-Cooks remains the subject of a murder investigation after she was found dead at a lodge in Sabie, Mpumalanga early last month.
Waldeck-Cooks and 19-year-old Ethan Coetzee, a former St Stithians Boys’ College pupil who matriculated in 2025, were found dead at the lodge on Monday, 3 August.
Police initially opened an inquest while awaiting post-mortem results.
Waldeck-Cooks had travelled to the Sabie area as part of a hiking trip with two families.
According to her parents, Derrick Cooks and Claire Waldeck-Cooks, she 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.
The hiking trip was intended to help her prepare for a multi-day adventurous journey required for the award.
Her parents said the family was informed on the morning of 3 August that Cameron had been found dead.
Police subsequently upgraded the investigation after preliminary post-mortem findings indicated that Cameron may have been strangled.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said the findings resulted in a murder case being added to the original inquest.
Police said the preliminary findings indicated that Cameron Waldeck-Cooks may have been strangled, while Coetzee’s death was believed to have been self-inflicted. The full circumstances remain under investigation.
Waldeck-Cooks’s parents separately appointed an independent forensic pathologist. They said the preliminary findings indicated that their daughter died from strangulation and suffocation.
The family has urged the public not to treat speculation or conflicting reports about the circumstances of her death as fact while the investigation and forensic processes continue.
A number of allegations have emerged publicly about the relationship between Waldeck-Cooks and Coetzee and what may have happened before their deaths.
However, these claims remain unverified and should not be treated as established facts.
Waldeck-Cooks’ brother has publicly alleged that Coetzee was responsible for her death, while Coetzee’s family has disputed claims that he was involved in Cameron’s death.
No person has been charged in connection with her murder based on the latest publicly available information.
Colonel Mavela Masondo has confirmed to The South African website that police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding both deaths.
Waldeck-Cooks had been part of the St Stithians community since Grade R in 2015.
The school remembered her as a talented sportswoman who excelled in rowing and netball, while also highlighting her kindness, determination and leadership.
She was described as a mentor to younger rowers and someone who encouraged those around her.
St Stithians has since said it will not comment on claims or speculation surrounding the deaths while authorities continue with their investigation.
