Heartbreak and outrage have gripped Nelson Mandela University (NMU) following the death of Sesethu Enhle Mboza, a 19-year-old second-year Bachelor of Arts student who allegedly took her own life on Friday, 31 October 2025.
Her death came a month after she reported being raped.
According to the advocacy group Women for Change, Mboza had opened a case with the South African Police Service (SAPS) after the alleged incident on 26 September 2025 in Rubin Crescent, Summerstrand.
Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg confirmed that the suspect, a fellow NMU student, was arrested two days later but released on bail on 10 October.
“Women For Change is deeply shocked and outraged that a student charged with rape was allowed to return to campus — the very environment where his victim should have felt protected and supported,” the organisation said in a statement.
Mboza’s death marks the fifth student fatality at NMU in just three weeks, a wave of tragedy that has sent shockwaves through the campus community.
In a statement, NMU Vice-Chancellor Professor Sibongile Muthwa said the university was “extremely heartbroken” by the loss of five students, including Mboza.
“The passing of these young lives has left an immeasurable void in our university community,” Muthwa said.
“We recognise the deep emotional toll these tragedies have taken on our students and staff, and our Emthonjeni Student Counselling Services are providing ongoing psychosocial support.”
The United Democratic Students’ Movement (UDESMO) also issued a strongly worded statement condemning what it called “institutional failures” that leave survivors unprotected and retraumatised.
UDESMO Eastern Cape Provincial Chairperson Lucia Matomane said universities have “a legal and moral duty to protect survivors, not perpetrators.”
“No survivor should ever have to repeatedly encounter their alleged perpetrator in a space meant for safety and learning,” Matomane said.
The organisation has called for urgent reforms, including the immediate suspension of students accused of sexual violence, stronger gender-based violence (GBV) response units, and regular campus safety audits.
Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande has yet to comment publicly on the NMU tragedies, but advocacy groups say the crisis demands national intervention.
“Awareness without accountability achieves nothing,” UDESMO said.
“Universities cannot continue to speak of empowerment while failing to protect those most at risk.”
PLEASE NOTE: If you or someone you know needs help or someone to talk to, please reach out to one of the following helplines. The Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) offers a 24/7 toll-free helpline at 0800 428 428 and an SMS option by dialling *120*7867#. The National Crisis Helpline (Lifeline South Africa) provides counselling and support at 0861 322 322. In cases of immediate danger, you can contact the South African Police Service (SAPS) by calling 10111. For children experiencing or witnessing abuse, Childline South Africa is available toll-free at 0800 055 555. Survivors of sexual abuse and gender-based violence can also contact the Tears Foundation by calling 010 590 5920 or sending an SMS with the word “HELP” to 35858. Remember, you are not alone, and support is always available to help you through difficult times.
