Police probe after bodies of two school pupils found in Sabie lodge
Police in Mpumalanga are continuing inquiries after the bodies of two young people were discovered on the morning of Monday, 3 August in a room at a guest lodge in Sabie. The victims have been identified as a 19‑year‑old male and a 17‑year‑old female, both associated with St Stithians College in Sandton.
Mpumalanga SAPS spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said officers were alerted to a complaint of two people deceased at the lodge. When police arrived, both were declared dead at the scene. An inquest docket was initially opened, but following post‑mortem results the matter is being treated as a murder investigation while enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances.
What is known so far
- Two bodies were found at a guest lodge in Sabie on Monday, 3 August.
- The deceased are a 19‑year‑old male and a 17‑year‑old female, both linked to St Stithians College.
- Post‑mortem examinations indicated the female had been strangled and the male apparently died by suicide; police have upgraded the inquiry to a murder investigation.
Family and school responses
The family of the 17‑year‑old, identified by her father as Cameron Waldeck‑Cooks, said she had travelled to Sabie to join a hiking trip. Her father, Derrick Cooks, told reporters his daughter was preparing for the Gold level of The President's Award for Youth Empowerment — South Africa's implementation of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award — and was taking part in a multi‑day adventurous journey as part of that programme.
"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," Derrick Cooks said.
St Stithians College released a statement on Facebook mourning both pupils. The school described the 19‑year‑old male as "a young man of strength, commitment and humility" and praised the female learner as "an accomplished sportswoman whose kindness, determination and quiet leadership inspired those around her." The college said it had been overcome with grief following news of the deaths.
Local implications and next steps
Sabie is a town where outdoor recreation and tourism are integral to the local economy and community life. Incidents at guest lodges therefore have wider resonance among residents, operators and visitors. The SAPS statement that the inquiry has moved from an inquest to a murder investigation indicates investigators are seeking to establish motive and responsibility for what happened in the lodge room.
| Victim | Age | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Cameron Waldeck‑Cooks | 17 | Strangulation indicated by post‑mortem |
| Ethan Coetzee | 19 | Post‑mortem suggests death by apparent suicide |
Colonel Masondo said investigations were continuing. Police will be looking to gather witness statements, lodge CCTV where available, and any forensic evidence from the room to reconstruct the sequence of events. No arrests or charges were reported at the time of the initial statements.
For residents and visitors in Mpumalanga, the unfolding enquiry will be watched closely. The combination of a high‑profile school community, young victims and a popular outdoor‑activity destination reinforces the need for clear communication from police as they develop their case. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is expected to come forward to the SAPS.
The lodge deaths have left the families, school and community seeking answers while formal police procedures continue.
