Cameron Waldeck-Cooks murder investigation: What’s the latest?

The death of 17-year-old St Stithians Girls’ College learner Cameron Waldeck-Cooks reportedly continues to be investigated as a murder after preliminary post-mortem findings indicated that she may have been strangled.

Waldeck-Cooks and 19-year-old Ethan Coetzee, a former St Stithians Boys’ College pupil who matriculated in 2025, were found dead at a lodge in Sabie, Mpumalanga, on Monday, 3 August.

Police initially opened an inquest into both deaths while awaiting the results of post-mortem examinations.

Murder investigation opened

The investigation changed after preliminary findings in Cameron Waldeck-Cooks’ death raised concerns that she may have been strangled.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed to The South African website that a murder case was subsequently added to the original inquest.

Police said preliminary findings indicated that Waldeck-Cooks may have been strangled, while Coetzee’s death was believed to have been self-inflicted.

The full circumstances surrounding both deaths remain under investigation, seven weeks after the bodies were discovered.

Waldeck-Cooks’ parents, Derrick Cooks and Claire Waldeck-Cooks, also appointed an independent forensic pathologist. They said the preliminary findings from that examination indicated that their daughter died from strangulation and suffocation.

The family has urged the public to avoid treating speculation or conflicting reports about the deaths as fact while the police investigation and forensic processes continue.

Hiking trip

Waldeck-Cooks had travelled to the Sabie area as part of a hiking trip involving two families.

According to her parents, she was working towards the Gold level of The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment, South Africa’s implementation of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

The trip was intended to assist her in preparing for the multi-day adventurous journey required for the award.

Her parents said they were informed on the morning of 3 August that Cameron had been found dead.

Claims remain unverified

Various allegations have subsequently emerged publicly about the relationship between Cameron Waldeck-Cooks and Ethan Coetzee and what may have happened before their deaths.

However, these claims remain unverified.

Cameron’s brother has publicly alleged that Coetzee was responsible for her death, while Coetzee’s family has disputed claims that he was involved.

No person has been charged in connection with Cameron’s death based on the latest publicly available information.

Masondo has confirmed that police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding both deaths.

Cameron remembered

Cameron 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 who encouraged and supported those around her.

St Stithians has indicated that it will not comment on claims or speculation surrounding the deaths while the authorities continue with their investigation.