Family Confirms Murder Investigation After Death of St Stithians Pupil Cameron Waldeck‑Cooks
Police probe deepens as independent forensic findings point to strangulation; parents urge South Africans to avoid speculation and protect the privacy of grieving children.
Police probe deepens as independent forensic findings point to strangulation; parents urge South Africans to avoid speculation and protect the privacy of grieving children.
The death of 17‑year‑old St Stithians Girls’ College learner Cameron Waldeck‑Cooks has now become the subject of an active murder investigation, following preliminary forensic findings and new details released by her family.
Cameron, a Grade 11 pupil working toward the Gold level of The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment, had travelled to Sabie, Mpumalanga, as part of a multi‑day hiking trip with two families. Her parents say she viewed the hike as an opportunity to advance her Award requirements, a programme linked to The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
Ethan Coetzee, 19, who matriculated from St Stithians Boys’ College last year, was also found dead in a holiday home.
On the morning of 3 August 2026, the family was notified that Graham Coetzee had discovered Cameron’s body. In a statement issued by her parents, Derrick Cooks and Claire Waldeck‑Cooks, they confirmed that they appointed an independent forensic pathologist whose preliminary findings indicate Cameron died as a result of strangulation and suffocation.
They added: “The police have confirmed that they have opened a murder investigation.”
Police Investigation: What We Know So Far
Mpumalanga SAPS sources confirm that detectives from the provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit are leading the investigation. Officers have already taken statements from individuals who were part of the hiking group, and forensic teams have revisited the scene to collect additional evidence.
Police have not yet confirmed whether any suspects have been identified, and investigators are reportedly awaiting full forensic results, including toxicology and detailed pathology analysis, before making further announcements.
Authorities say they are also examining conflicting accounts circulating publicly about the circumstances surrounding Cameron’s death. Her parents addressed this directly, urging restraint: “We ask that speculation not be presented as fact while the investigation and forensic processes remain ongoing.”
A Family in Mourning
In their statement, Cameron’s parents described her as “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.”
They said her death has left “an immeasurable void” in their lives and expressed deep gratitude to the St Stithians community, including her friends, netball teammates and rowing peers, whose support has “sustained us during an unimaginably painful time.”
©Higher Education Media Services