It’s been over 10 days since the deaths of St Stithians teen couple Cameron Waldeck-Cooks and Ethan Coetzee in an alleged murder-suicide, and South Africans are no closer to knowing the truth about what happened. There has also been no official word on funeral or memorial services that will take place

ST STITHIANS TEEN MURDER-SUICIDE LATEST

This week, Mpumalanga Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that they would not divulge any new information to the public relating to the St Stithians teens’ alleged murder-suicide due to an ongoing investigation.

Cameron Waldeck-Cooks – a Grade 11 learner at the Johannesburg private school – and Ethan Coetzee, a 2025 matriculant, were found dead on the morning on Monday, 3 August at the Waterval self-catering lodge in Mumpalanga.

The bubbly blonde had been invited to participate in a multi-day hike, which she hoped would help her towards her goal of the Gold level of The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment. 

According to a statement by Etha’s family, the teen couple appeared happy the night before their death. Their bodies were discovered by Ethan’s father, Graham Coetzee. 

Police initially investigated the deaths as an inquest and initially suspected that no foul play was involved.

However, post-mortem findings changed the direction of the investigation regarding to the St Stithians teens.

According to preliminary findings as well as the opinion of an independent forensic pathologist involved, Cameron Waldeck-Cooks died from strangulation/suffocation. 

Ethan’s death is believed to be a suicide. 

Police have subsequently opened a murder case in connection with Cameron’s death.

No person has been charged with Cameron’s murder, and police have not publicly announced that Ethan was legally determined to be her killer. The investigation continues.

CAMERON WALDECK-COOKS, ETHAN COETZEE: WHEN DOES FUNERAL, MEMORIAL TAKE PLACE?

In a statement to the public, the parents of Cameron Waldeck-Cooks shared that a memorial service would take place during the month of August. A date has yet to be made public.

It’s unclear if she, or Ethan Coetzee, has been laid to rest via a funeral service.

St Stithians, the President’s Award for Youth Empowerment and anti-gender-based violence activists, Women For Change, have paid tribute to Cameron.

A group of cyclists who took part in the Trans Baviaans Race dedicated their mountain biking race to Cameron. The teen’s dad, Derrick Cooks, was moved by the gesture, sharing: “What you and the team did for Cam is incredibly special….knowing you carried her with you means everything. Cam would have absolutely loved this”.