Private Investigator's Take on Cameron Waldeck-Cooks and Ethan Coetzee's Sabie Deaths Causes Divide
- Private investigator Brad Nathanson published an emotional plea urging South Africans to stop speculating about the deaths of two young people at a Sabie lodge
- Nathanson, who confirmed he has no access to the investigation docket or forensic evidence, said the online commentary was causing additional pain to grieving families
- The post sparked debate among South Africans, with some agreeing and others arguing that public discussion was inevitable once the story entered the public domain
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
A South African private investigator has called on the public to stop speculating online about the deaths of Cameron Waldeck and Ethan, two young people who died at a lodge in Sabie, urging people to allow the South African Police Service to complete its investigation.
Brad Nathanson, of Brad Nathanson Investigations, posted a heartfelt message on Facebook on 12 August 2026 after being repeatedly asked for his professional opinion on the case, which has gripped the country.
His answer was clear:
"I have no opinion. I am simply deeply saddened by this tragedy."
Nathanson was firm that without access to the crime scene, forensic evidence, post-mortem findings, witness statements or the investigation docket, any commentary from him would amount to nothing more than guesswork. He urged the public to extend the same restraint.
His concern, he said, was not with the investigation itself but with the wave of online theorising that has surrounded the deaths. He pointed out that behind every headline and social media post are parents, siblings and friends who are trying to come to terms with an unimaginable loss, while watching strangers dissect the deaths of their loved ones in real time. He said:
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
"Some people need to remember that not every tragedy requires our opinion, sometimes the most respectful thing we can do is remain silent."
He closed his post with a direct message to the bereaved families. Read the post below:
Briefly News reported that police have been withholding details about the case while the investigation is ongoing.
SA split on St Stithians College deaths
Nathanson's post drew mixed responses online, with some praising his call for restraint and others arguing that public debate was unavoidable:
Denny Heyerdahl said:
"If people want privacy, then don't publish it on social media. Humans will always speculate and have their opinions."
JM JM wrote:
"Social media is a platform for public comment and debate. Once a matter is placed in the public domain, people will naturally respond to what has been said."
Tracey Bowyer added:
"I agree in theory but as a womanaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa what Cameron's own brother said and that the police have confirmed she died by strangulation and suffocation and Ethan died by suicide."
Tamara Ann Moodley asked:
"Is it better that we all stayed quiet and not said a word? Do you think Cameron's brother posted so that he can speak to the void?"
Debbie Klein supported the post, writing:
"I love this post. The overriding feeling of this all is one of tragedy and immense sadness and the families should be allowed to grieve without interference."
Anu ShéRa wrote:
"Walk in the shoes of each of these beautiful souls, in those of their parents, siblings and loved ones, and only then come and make your opinionated statement."
Other Briefly News stories about St Stithians deaths
- A TikTok video of St Stithians alumnus Ethan Coetzee, which gained attention following his tragic death alongside pupil Cameron Waldeck-Cooks.
- The tragic death of Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, a 17-year-old St Stithians learner, as her brother publicly defended her reputation amid the ongoing investigation.
- A heartfelt tribute paid by a close friend of Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, following the tragic news of her untimely death.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Source: Briefly News
