St Stithians Finally Speaks Out As Investigation Into Cameron and Ethan’s Deaths Continues

• A school community is still grappling with unanswered questions after the deaths of two young people linked to St Stithians
• The school has now addressed the speculation surrounding the case while police continue their investigation
• What happened at a Sabie lodge remains the subject of an active probe

For a school community accustomed to celebrating young lives and achievements, the events of early August have left St Stithians facing questions it cannot yet answer. Almost three weeks after two young people connected to the Johannesburg school were found dead at a lodge near Sabie, the institution has finally broken its silence on the growing public scrutiny.

In comments to TimesLIVE on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, St Stithians said it would not weigh in on claims or speculation surrounding the deaths of Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, 17, and Ethan Coetzee, 19, while authorities continue their investigation.

Cameron was a Grade 11 learner at St Stithians Girls’ College, while Ethan matriculated from St Stithians Boys’ College in 2025. Their bodies were discovered at a Sabie lodge on 3 August.

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Police initially opened inquest dockets. Following preliminary post-mortem findings, the case involving Cameron was upgraded to a murder investigation. Police said she “may have been strangled”, while Ethan “may have taken his own life”.

St Stithians refuses to comment on speculation

The school acknowledged the difficult conversations surrounding the tragedy.

“We remain focused on supporting those most affected and caring for our community as it continues to navigate this profound loss,” St Stithians said.

It added that support for pupils and staff would continue “in the weeks ahead”.

The response follows intense public discussion about the circumstances of the deaths, including claims concerning the teenagers’ relationship. Some of those claims have not been independently established.

Investigation into Sabie deaths continues

Cameron’s parents previously said she had travelled to the Sabie area as part of a hiking trip connected to her work towards The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment. Meanwhile, investigators continue examining the evidence surrounding both deaths.

The school has made it clear that, for now, its focus remains on supporting grieving families and its wider community rather than commenting on unresolved questions.

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All Blacks training adds another layer to St Stithians scrutiny

Briefly News also reported that St Stithians College was thrust into the rugby spotlight when the All Blacks arrived at the Johannesburg school on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, to prepare for their Ellis Park Test against the Springboks.

The timing placed the school in the public eye for reasons extending beyond the highly anticipated rugby clash. The All Blacks are scheduled to face the Springboks on Saturday, 22 August, at Ellis Park.

Source: Briefly News