- Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, 17, was a St Stithians Girls’ College rower and netball player, while Ethan Coetzee, 19, was a former first-team rugby player at the boys’ college
- News24 reporting has brought renewed attention to allegations of controlling behaviour and claims that more than 22,000 WhatsApp messages were exchanged over four weeks
- Police upgraded the investigation into the teenagers’ deaths in Sabie to a murder case after preliminary post-mortem findings raised concerns about Cameron’s death
The deaths of two young people associated with St Stithians College have taken a fresh turn, with new allegations about their relationship emerging months after they were found dead in Mpumalanga.
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Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, 17, was a Grade 11 pupil at St Stithians Girls’ College who excelled in rowing and netball. Her boyfriend, Ethan Coetzee, 19, matriculated from St Stithians Boys’ College in 2025 and represented the school’s first rugby team.
The teenagers were found dead at a lodge near Sabie on 3 August 2026. Subsequent reporting has brought allegations about their relationship and the handling of cellphone evidence into sharper focus.
According to reports based on information shared by Cameron’s family representatives, Ethan allegedly sent her more than 22,000 WhatsApp messages over four weeks. The claims have raised questions about the relationship in the lead-up to their deaths.
St Stithians sports stars
Cameron was remembered by her school as a dedicated sportswoman who made a meaningful contribution to its rowing and netball programmes. St Stithians Girls’ College paid tribute to her determination, commitment and leadership, noting her role in encouraging younger rowers.
Ethan, meanwhile, was a member of the school’s first-team rugby side and earned rugby colours. The school also recognised his achievements in equestrian sport, including becoming a national champion in eventing.
Both teenagers had longstanding ties to the St Stithians community, having attended the school from their early years.
Their sporting achievements formed part of the tributes following their deaths, as pupils, teammates, coaches and the wider school community mourned their loss.
St Stithians murder: New WhatsApp claims emerge
News24 and subsequent reports have highlighted allegations that Ethan displayed jealous and controlling behaviour during the relationship.
The reported cellphone records allegedly show more than 22,000 WhatsApp messages over four weeks, including declarations of affection, questions and demands. Other claims suggest that Ethan monitored Cameron’s study sessions and had access to her phone and social media accounts.
Cameron’s family representatives reportedly indicated that she had ended the relationship in early July, weeks before the teenagers were found dead.
The allegations have also prompted discussion about coercive control and the role digital communications can play in monitoring or intimidating a partner. However, the allegations have not, by themselves, established what happened before Cameron’s death.
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Police initially opened an inquest after the bodies were discovered. On 7 August, authorities confirmed that a murder case had been opened following a preliminary post-mortem.
Cameron’s family has also raised concerns about the handling of the teenagers’ cellphones, alleging that the devices were returned without a complete forensic download.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain a matter for investigators, and the reported allegations should not be treated as a final determination of criminal responsibility.
Cameron’s family questions police over evidence
Briefly News previously reported that the family of 17-year-old St Stithians learner Cameron Waldeck-Cooks raised concerns about how police secured cellphone evidence in her murder investigation
Cameron and former St Stithians rugby player Ethan Coetzee, 19, were found dead at a Sabie holiday home in Mpumalanga on 3 August 2026.
Source: Briefly News