‘Horrified!’: Women For Change on Cameron Waldeck-Cooks’ death
· The South African
Anti-gender-based violence (GBV) activists Women For Change have spoken out about the death of Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, a St Stithians student who died in an alleged murder-suicide alongside her boyfriend, Ethan Coetzee, this week.
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The bodies of the teen couple were discovered at a Sabie game lodge on Monday, 3 August.
According to Ethan’s family, the 17-year-old and the 19-year-old were in a relationship and had finished a hiking expedition.
WOMEN FOR CHANGE
In a social media post, Women For Change, known for their anti-GBV advocacy, paid tribute to Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, whose death occurred during Women’s Month.
The post read: “Women For Change is horrified by yet another devastating femicide case involving a young woman whose life was cut tragically short.
“Our hearts are with Cameron’s family, friends, classmates, and everyone mourning this unimaginable loss.
“We are horrified that this tragedy also involves a young man, highlighting the urgent need to address violence, harmful gender norms, and healthy relationship education among young people and in schools”.
The organisation added: “When is enough, enough?”
In an open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa, Women For Change founder Sabrina Walter named Cameron Waldeck-Cooks as one of several women who have tragically been murdered during Women’s Month.
She shared: “How many more names will we say before action replaces promises? Women’s Day cannot become another day of flowers, hashtags and speeches while women continue to bury their daughters, mothers, sisters and friends”
WHAT HAPPENED TO CAMERON WALDECK-COOKS AND ETHAN COETZEE?
Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, 17, and Ethan Coetzee, 19, 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 had matriculated in 2025.
Police initially investigated the deaths as an inquest and initially suspected that no foul play was involved.
However, post-mortem findings changed the direction of the investigation.
According to preliminary findings as well as the opinion of an independent forensic pathologist involved, Cameron Waldeck-Cooks died from strangulation/suffocation.
Ethan’s death is believed to be a suicide.
Police have subsequently opened a murder case in connection with Cameron’s death.
No person has been charged with Cameron’s murder, and police have not publicly announced that Ethan was legally determined to be her killer. The investigation continues.