Anti-GBV Group Condemns Cameron Waldeck-Cooks' Death As Femicide During Women’s Month
- Anti-GBV organisation Women For Change spoke out after Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, 17, was found dead at a Sabie lodge on 3 August
- Post-mortem results shifted the investigation, with preliminary findings indicating Cameron died from strangulation or suffocation
- Women For Change founder Sabrina Walter named Cameron in an open letter to President Ramaphosa calling for urgent government action
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Anti-gender-based violence organisation Women For Change has condemned the death of 17-year-old Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, describing the teenager’s death as femicide and calling for urgent national attention to the case. The organisation has also highlighted the timing of the tragedy, which occurred during Women’s Month.
Source: Facebook
Cameron and her 19-year-old boyfriend, Ethan Coetzee, were found dead at a lodge in the Sabie area of Mpumalanga on Monday, 3 August. Cameron was a Grade 11 learner at St Stithians Girls College, while Ethan completed matric in 2025.
According to Ethan’s family, the pair were in a relationship and had recently returned from a hiking expedition together.
Post-mortem findings change direction of investigation
Police initially opened an inquest after the bodies were discovered, as there were no immediate indications of foul play. However, the investigation took a different turn following the post-mortem examinations.
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The findings, along with an assessment by an independent forensic pathologist, reportedly indicated that Cameron died as a result of strangulation or suffocation.
Ethan’s death is being treated as a suspected suicide, while police have subsequently opened a murder case relating to Cameron’s death.
No individual has been formally charged in connection with the teenager’s death, and police have not publicly identified Ethan as responsible for Cameron’s killing. Investigators are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding both deaths.
Women For Change’s response has placed renewed focus on the dangers of gender-based violence and femicide, particularly during a month dedicated to recognising and addressing issues affecting women and girls.
Women For Change calls on Ramaphosa to act
Women For Change has paid tribute to Cameron in a social media statement, placing her death within the wider crisis of gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa.
The organisation expressed its shock over what it described as another devastating case of femicide involving a young woman whose life was tragically cut short. It also used the incident to highlight the pressing need for greater attention to violence prevention, harmful gender stereotypes and relationship education for young people, particularly within schools.
The organisation concluded its message with a pointed question: “When is enough, enough?”
Women For Change founder Sabrina Walter also addressed the tragedy directly in an open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa. She included Cameron among the women who have lost their lives during Women’s Month and questioned how many more victims would have to be named before meaningful action replaces repeated promises.
Walter warned that Women’s Day should not become merely a time for flowers, hashtags and speeches while families continue to mourn the loss of their daughters, mothers, sisters and friends.
Cameron's death has also sparked deep sorrow within her school community. St Stithians Girls College has mourned the Grade 11 learner, with the tragedy leaving classmates, teachers and the wider school community grieving her loss.
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Source: Briefly News
