MPUMALANGA — Mpumalanga police have opened a murder case after two Gauteng teenagers were found dead at a lodge in Sabie on Monday, 3 August, authorities confirmed.
Preliminary findings and official response
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed an investigation was under way. Preliminary results from an independent forensic pathologist, provided to the family of one of the victims, indicate that 17‑year‑old Cameron Waldeck‑Cooks, a Grade 11 learner at St Stithians College, died from strangulation and suffocation.
The other victim, 19‑year‑old Ethan Coetzee, described in reports as an alumnus of the same school, also died; police said his death is currently believed to be a suicide, while Cameron’s death is being investigated as a murder. A murder case has been opened and no charges have been laid to date as investigations continue.
Families issue contrasting statements
The two families have published statements that contradict one another on what happened.
“My sister… was murdered by Coetzee. There was no drug overdose, no poison, no suicide pact. Ethan Coetzee suffocated my sister to death by strangulation.”
The Instagram post quoted above was published by Cameron’s brother, Ethan Waldeck‑Cooks, who rejected suggestions that the deaths were the result of a suicide pact or overdose. The family described Cameron as “deeply loved and kind‑hearted” and asked that speculation not be treated as fact while police and forensic work continue.
In contrast, Coetzee’s family issued a separate statement, reported elsewhere, disputing allegations that he was involved in Cameron’s death. They said there was “no sign of an altercation and Ethan sustained no injuries consistent with a struggle”, and described him as “kind, gentle and loyal”. They added that the couple appeared happy the night before their deaths.
Community shock and school response
The deaths have sent ripples through the St Stithians community, where pupils, staff and alumni have offered condolences and sought to support both families. The school has been cited in reporting as a focal point for messages of grief and solidarity, particularly from the netball and rowing communities linked to the learner.
Both families have urged the public and media to avoid speculation while authorities complete their enquiries.
What investigators have said — and what remains unknown
Police have opened a murder investigation and said they were awaiting the outcome of further forensic work. At this stage:
- Cameron Waldeck‑Cooks (17) — preliminary forensic finding: strangulation and suffocation; death being investigated as a murder.
- Ethan Coetzee (19) — death currently believed to be a suicide, according to police statements.
- No arrests or charges have been publicly announced; investigations remain ongoing.
Police have not publicly released a full autopsy report or the complete timeline of events leading up to the deaths. Media reports include family statements and social posts that present opposing accounts, but investigators will rely on forensics, witness statements and other evidence to reach conclusions.
| Key fact | Current status |
|---|---|
| Date found | 3 August |
| Location | Sabie lodge, Mpumalanga |
| Victims | Cameron Waldeck‑Cooks (17); Ethan Coetzee (19) |
| Police classification | Murder case opened; one death investigated as murder, the other believed to be suicide |
What this means for families and the public
Cases involving young people — particularly when both families and communities are closely connected — can generate fast‑moving rumours. Authorities and families involved have asked media and the public to refrain from speculation and to allow investigators to complete their work.
Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact the Mpumalanga police. As of publication, police had not announced further operational details or next steps in the enquiry.
The investigation is likely to include further forensic testing, toxicology, interviews with witnesses and a full review of CCTV or digital evidence where available. The results of ongoing post‑mortem examinations and police enquiries will determine whether charges are laid and what those charges might be.
For now, both families and the wider school community remain in mourning, seeking answers as the probe continues.
Reporting from Gauteng with developments from Mpumalanga.
