Update on St Stithians pupils’ deaths: Why Cameron was in Sabie
Cameron Waldeck-Cooks was in Sabie for a hiking trip linked to her President’s Award, her father says, as the murder probe continues.
The news of the two St Stithians pupils’ deaths has also sparked speculation about why Cameron Waldeck-Cooks was at the Sabie guesthouse.
Her father, Derrick Cooks, has now explained this on his Facebook page.
He said the 17-year-old Grade 11 pupil travelled to Sabie after two families invited her to join a hiking trip.
Cameron was working towards the Gold level of The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment. The programme forms part of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
She planned to use the multi-day hike towards her adventurous journey requirement.
Although that account gives important context to her presence in Mpumalanga, it does not explain how she died. Police and forensic specialists still need to establish that.
WHY WERE THE ST STITHIANS PUPIL IN SABIE?
Cameron’s father said she saw the hiking invitation as an opportunity to progress towards her Gold Award. He said the family received news on the morning of 3 August that Graham Coetzee had discovered her body.
Police initially treated the deaths as an inquest. They later opened a murder investigation after postmortem findings raised concerns about Cameron’s death.
The case also involves 19-year-old Ethan Coetzee, a former St Stithians Boys’ College pupil. His body was found with Cameron at the Sabie property.
Police have not publicly disclosed all the circumstances surrounding his death.
WHAT DO THE NEW FORENSIC FINDINGS SHOW?
Cameron’s father said that the family appointed an independent forensic pathologist, whose preliminary findings indicated strangulation and suffocation.
Police have confirmed the murder investigation. Those preliminary findings do not establish who caused Cameron’s death. They also do not explain the full sequence of events at the guesthouse.
Investigators must now piece together the evidence, which could include witness accounts, forensic evidence and the circumstances at the property.
The investigation remains active.
CAMERON’S FAMILY ASKS FOR PRIVACY
The family has urged people to separate verified information from speculation as conflicting and unverified accounts about Cameron’s death have circulated.
The family has also asked the media and public to respect their privacy. They said children affected by Cameron’s death need particular protection while the family grieves.
Cameron’s parents described her as kind-hearted, warm and determined. They said she supported younger girls and brought quiet strength to those around her.
St Stithians College has remembered Cameron as a committed sportswoman. She took part in rowing and netball and mentored younger rowers.
Her family plans to hold a memorial service later in August. They will release details when appropriate.
Although it hardly answers the central question of the investigation, for now, the hiking trip provides a clear explanation for why Cameron went to Sabie.