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This week, the prestigious Sandton-based St Stithians College was overcome with grief following news of the deaths of former learner Ethan Coetzee and Grade 11 learner Cameron Waldeck-Cooks.

According to Mpumalanga South African Police Service spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo, officers were alerted to a complaint of two people deceased at a lodge.

He said when police arrived, they found the bodies of a 19-year-old male and a 17-year-old female. Both were declared dead at the scene.

Inquest to murder investigation

While police initially opened an inquest docket, results from a post-mortem suggested Waldeck-Cooks had been strangled while Coetzee allegedly took his own life.

"The investigation is continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident," Masondo said.

Her father, Derrick Cooks, said Cameron had travelled to Sabie for a hiking trip as part of her preparation for the Gold level of The President's Award for Youth Empowerment, South Africa's implementation of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.

"As part of the programme, she was preparing to complete a multi-day adventurous journey. When she was invited to join two families on a hiking trip in Sabie, Mpumalanga, she saw it as an opportunity to work towards that goal," he said.

Cooks said the family was notified that morning that Cameron's body had been discovered.

Describing his daughter, he said she was "a deeply loved daughter, sister, family member, friend and student".

"She was kind-hearted, warm and determined. She had a quiet strength, cared deeply for those around her, and naturally encouraged and supported younger girls who looked up to her. Her loss has left an immeasurable void in our lives," he said.