Johannesburg – St Stithians College has confirmed the deaths of two members of its school community, Grade 11 pupil Cameron Waldeck-Cooks and Class of 2025 alumnus Ethan Coetzee, as police investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of a young man and woman found at a lodge in Sabie, Mpumalanga.
In separate statements shared on Instagram, the prestigious Johannesburg school expressed its grief over the loss of the two students.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Cameron Waldeck-Cooks (Grade 11) passed away on Monday morning,” the school said in a statement posted a day before announcing Coetzee’s death.
The school described Cameron as a pupil who had been part of the St Stithians community since Grade R in 2015.
“Cameron will be remembered for her kindness, warmth and determination. She approached life with resilience, quiet strength and a genuine care for those around her,” the statement read.
The school said Cameron excelled in rowing and netball, describing her as “a dedicated and passionate rower” and “a natural leader and a mentor to many younger girls in the rowing programme.”
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On Wednesday, St Stithians announced the death of Ethan Coetzee, who completed his entire schooling at the institution from Grade R to Grade 12.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of St Stithians Boys’ College alumnus, Ethan Coetzee (2025),” the school said.
According to the college, Ethan completed the full Grade R to Grade 12 journey at Saints between 2013 and 2025, where he built strong friendships and earned respect both academically and on the sports field.
“Through his time at Saints, Ethan was described as a young man of strength, commitment, and humility. Whether in the classroom, on the rugby field, in equestrian sport, or in service to others, he approached his passions with great enthusiasm,” the statement said.
The school noted that Ethan had earned Rugby Colours as a member of the 1st XV, was a national champion in eventing and served as a respected senior student in Penryn House.
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It added that he “possessed a natural warmth and charisma that drew people to him, forging strong friendships” and “had the ability to instil confidence in others, offering encouragement when it was needed most and making those around him feel seen, valued, and supported.”
In both statements, the college extended its condolences to the families and said it stood alongside the school community as it mourned the loss of the two young people.
According to Jacaranda FM, Mpumalanga police say there is, at this stage, no indication of foul play, although investigations into the deaths are continuing.
Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened as authorities seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
“Police have opened an inquest docket for investigation after a male and female were found deceased at a lodge in Sabie on Monday, 03 August 2026. A postmortem will be conducted to establish the cause of death,” Masondo said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
