Mpumalanga police have opened a murder investigation after post-mortem findings shed light on the deaths of two Gauteng teenagers in Sabie.

The bodies of Cameron Waldeck–Cooks (17), a pupil at St Stithians Girls’ College in Randburg, and her friend Ethan Coetzee (19), who matriculated last year from St Stithians Boys’ College, were discovered by cleaning staff at the Waterval Self-Catering Holiday Home and Round Here Guest Farm, situated 1km outside Sabie, at 07:30 on Monday, August 3.

Read: Police investigate deaths of two Gauteng teenagers in Sabie

Both bodies were transferred to the state mortuary in Mashishing on Monday afternoon.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo initially confirmed the deaths and said an inquest docket had been opened. 

Post-mortem findings

On Friday, August 7, the Office of the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga confirmed that a murder case was opened following post-mortem results, which suggested that Waldeck–Cooks may have been strangled while Coetzee may have taken his own life. Speculation of a drug overdose has not been ruled out by police.

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St Stithians College paid tribute to Waldeck–Cooks as an accomplished sportswoman remembered for her kindness, warmth and resilience, while Coetzee was described as a young man of strength, commitment and humility who represented the college’s first rugby team.

The families have indicated they will release a statement in due course. At the time of publication, no funeral arrangements were available.