Heartbreak at NMU: Student Takes Her Life After Rape Trauma

Outrage and concerns mount at Nelson Mandela University after news emerged about Sesethu Enhle Mboza (19), a Nelson Mandela University (NMU) second-year Bachelor of Arts student, who allegedly took her own life on Friday, 31 October after she was allegedly raped.

Her death marks the fifth student fatality at the university in just three weeks.

This was shared by Women For Change, a non-profit organisation that advocates against gender-based violence.

The organisation’s statement said that Mboza had allegedly been raped by a fellow student from the university. The statement also read that she had opened a case with SAPS.

“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 statement read.

According to the police spokesperson, Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg, the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit confirmed that a rape case was opened after a 19-year-old female reported an incident that occurred on 26 September 2025 at approximately 21:30 in Rubin Crescent, Summerstrand.

“The suspect was arrested on 28 September 2025, but was released on bail on 10 October 2025,” Janse Van Rensburg added.

 

 

An investigation into the incident was opened, and an inquest was opened for her suicide.

The university issued a statement following the news.

Regarding the safety of the university, a student at the university, Siphesihle Machaka shared, “At first I felt safe because it’s university premises, but after hearing the stories and experiences of other students, I don’t feel safe anymore. I don’t feel like they [university] care enough.”

The university issued a statement on the matter.

“The Nelson Mandela University community is extremely heartbroken by the unprecedented loss of five students in the space of three weeks,” it reads.

We mourn the untimely passing of:

• Enhle Mboza, a second-year Bachelor of Arts student

• Lihle Shenxane, a Higher Certificate Information Technology student

• Aphile Jozana, a Higher Certificate Business Studies student

• Minenhle Hlongwane, a second-year BA Law student and

• Sikhunjulwe Nkewana, a third-year Diploma in Logistics student

The statement added that each of these young lives was filled with promise, potential and purpose. Their passing has left an immeasurable void in our University community’s very soul.

“Mboza tragically died by suicide at an off-campus residence on Friday, 31 October. On the same afternoon, Shenxane and Jozana went swimming at Victoria Bay, George, when they experienced difficulties.”

“Shenxane drowned, while Jozana was rushed to hospital in a critical condition but passed away on Sunday, 2 November.”

The statement also added that two weeks ago, Hlongwane passed away after being stabbed during a robbery at an off-campus private residence in Summerstrand, Gqeberha.

“Just over a week ago, Nkewana was found unresponsive in his room at an off-campus residence in Central, Gqeberha.”

The University extends its most sincere and heartfelt condolences to their families, friends and loved ones.

“We grieve alongside them and hold them close in our thoughts and prayers during this time of profound sorrow,” Vice-Chancellor Sibongile Muthwa said.

“We recognise too the deep emotional toll these tragedies have taken on our students and staff.”

“The University’s Emthonjeni Student Counselling Services is providing ongoing psychosocial support to all who have been affected,” she concluded.

The university’s Student Representative Council president was approached for comment, but did not respond at the time of going to print.