New details have emerged surrounding the deaths of 17-year-old St Stithians Girls’ College pupil Cameron Waldeck-Cooks and her 19-year-old boyfriend, Ethan Coetzee, after the teenagers were found dead at a guesthouse in Sabie, Mpumalanga.
According to a report by *Rapport*, a source familiar with the situation alleged that Coetzee closely monitored Cameron’s social media activity during their relationship. The source reportedly claimed that he had access to the passwords for her social media accounts as well as her cellphone.
The revelation has added another layer to a case that remains under investigation, with police treating Cameron’s death as a murder and Coetzee’s death as an inquest.
The couple were reportedly discovered at a guesthouse owned by Coetzee’s family. Police have confirmed that Cameron died from strangulation, while preliminary findings indicate that Coetzee died by hanging.
According to reports, a family member found Coetzee and attempted to resuscitate him after cutting him down. Police were subsequently called to the property, where they found relatives gathered at the scene.
Coetzee’s father, Graeme, is reportedly the person who discovered the bodies. The family has asked for privacy while authorities continue their investigation.
Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that investigators are handling both an inquest and a murder case. He described the investigation as being at an advanced but sensitive stage and said authorities were not prepared to disclose further information that could potentially compromise the probe.
“There is the inquest and a case of murder,” Masondo reportedly said, adding that further information could emerge as the investigation continues.
Meanwhile, allegations about jealousy within the relationship have also surfaced. According to *Rapport*, people within Cameron’s social circle were allegedly aware of Coetzee’s jealousy. He was reportedly upset when Cameron was perceived as being particularly friendly with members of her school’s rowing team.
Reports have also suggested that Coetzee had been accepted to study at Stellenbosch University but ultimately withdrew. One account claimed that he did not want to be separated from Cameron.
Cameron’s family has spoken publicly about the tragedy. Her brother, Ethan Waldeck-Cooks, shared an emotional message on Instagram following her death, stating that his sister had been found lifeless with injuries to different parts of her body. He described her death as murder and named Coetzee in the post.
The Coetzee family has reportedly appointed a private forensic pathologist as the investigation continues.
The deaths have caused widespread shock within the St Stithians community, where both teenagers were known for their involvement in school activities and sport.
Despite the growing public interest and numerous claims circulating on social media, police have urged caution while the investigation remains active. Authorities have not confirmed several of the allegations surrounding the couple’s relationship.
The circumstances leading up to the deaths remain the subject of a detailed police investigation, and further findings are expected as investigators work to establish exactly what happened at the Sabie property.
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