‘Jealously presented as love’: Cameron, Ethan romance sparks GBV discussion

True crime podcaster Bella Monsoon has sparked a conversation about toxic teen relationships amid a new report about St Stithians couple Cameron Waldeck-Cooks and Ethan Coetzee, who died in an alleged murder-suicide earlier this month.

Cameron – a bubbly blonde 17-year-old – is believed to have died by strangulation/suffocation, allegedly at the hands of her boyfriend, who reportedly took his own life.

Their bodies were discovered in a self-catering lodge outside Sabie in Mpumalanga.

CAMERON WALDECK-COOKS AND ETHAN COETZEE: DISTURBING NEW DETAILS

In a social media post, true-crime content creator and GBV activist Bella Monsoon shared disturbing details from a new report about Cameron Waldeck-Cooks and Ethan Coetzee.

Ethan, a 2025 matriculant who played in first team rugby – was accused of being a jealous, controlling boyfriend who had access to Cameron’s social media platforms and phone. He reportedly became “enraged” at his girlfriend, who had befriended male learners at school. He also allegedly withdrew from studying at Stellenbosch University, as he did not want to be away from her.

Bella said in the video: “These are textbook markers of what is known psychologically as coercive control.

“Control showcases itself as care. It never starts off as something big, it starts off innocent”.

She continued: “Jealously presented as love, possessiveness framed as protection, monitoring disguised as concern and constant access justified with ‘If you have nothing to hide, then why does it matter?’

“Controlling behaviour and excessive jealousy are recognised in research on intimate partner violence as behaviours that deserve to be taken seriously. A 17-year-old girl’s life has been stolen. And her family are not the only family grieving”

Bella Monsoon encouraged South Africans to engage in a discussion about intimate partner violence, particularly emotional and verbal, and also amongst teenage couples.

HOW DID THEY DIE?

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 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, with police declining to provide any additional information.

The family of Cameron have confirmed that a memorial service will take place during the month of August, which is recognised as Women’s Month in South Africa.