Sabie Mpumalanga | The deaths of two young people who were found earlier this week at a lodge in Sabie, Mpumalanga, remain shrouded in mystery after the South African Police Service (SAPS) opened an inquest to determine exactly what happened.
The deceased have been identified as Cameron Waldeck-Cooks (17), a Grade 11 learner at St Stithians Girls’ College, and Ethan Coetzee (19), a former learner of St Stithians Boys’ College. Both were found dead on Monday, 3 August 2026, at a lodge in Sabie. The exact circumstances leading to their deaths are still unknown.
According to police spokesperson Lt Col Mavela Masondo, an inquest docket has been registered and a post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the cause of death. At the time of publication, police have not released any information indicating whether a crime, accident, or any other specific cause is suspected. Investigators are awaiting the results of forensic examinations before further details can be made public.
The news has deeply affected the St Stithians community. Both the Girls’ College and Boys’ College have expressed their condolences to the families and paid tribute to Cameron and Ethan’s contributions to the school community. Cameron is remembered as a dedicated rower and netball player known for her kindness and determination. Ethan, who matriculated in 2025, was described as a humble young man who excelled in both sport and academics and demonstrated strong leadership qualities.
Sabie, located along the well-known Panorama Route, is one of Mpumalanga’s most popular tourist destinations and attracts thousands of visitors annually. The incident has therefore drawn significant attention not only locally but also nationwide.
Legal experts note that an inquest does not mean a crime has been confirmed. Its purpose is to examine all available evidence and determine how and why the deaths occurred. If the investigation later suggests that a crime may have been committed, the case could be converted into a criminal investigation.
The SAPS has meanwhile urged the public not to spread unverified rumours or speculation on social media. Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is encouraged to come forward and contact the investigating officers.
The results of the post-mortem examinations and other forensic tests are expected to play a crucial role in the next phase of the investigation. Until then, the exact cause of Cameron and Ethan’s deaths remains unknown.
