Two St Stithians College Students Found Dead at Mpumalanga Lodge

Johannesburg’s St Stithians College is mourning the deaths of two young people connected to the school after their bodies were discovered together in a room at a lodge in Sabie, Mpumalanga, on Monday, 3 August 2026.

The deceased have been identified as Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, 17, a Grade 11 pupil at St Stithians Girls’ College, and Ethan Coetzee, 19, who matriculated from St Stithians Boys’ College in 2025. They were allegedly found in the same bedroom at the Waterval Self-Catering Holiday Home.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened to investigate the circumstances of the deaths, with a postmortem examination expected to help determine the cause. Police have indicated there is currently no evidence of foul play, though the investigation remains ongoing.

Following the news, rumours surfaced on Facebook suggesting the deaths were caused by a gas leak from a heater inside the room. Police have not verified these claims.

St Stithians College announced the deaths in separate statements posted to its social media pages, describing both students as deeply valued members of the school community.

Cameron had been at St Stithians since Grade R in 2015. The school remembered her for her kindness, warmth, resilience and quiet strength, describing her as a beloved daughter, sister and friend.

Ethan completed his schooling at St Stithians from Grade R through matric in 2025. He was a member of the school’s 1st XV rugby team, a national champion in equestrian eventing, and a senior student in Penryn House. The school described him as warm and charismatic, someone who built strong friendships and had a natural ability to make those around him feel supported.

News of the deaths has shaken the close-knit school community, with pupils, teachers, alumni and families left searching for answers as the police investigation continues.