The Fifth NMU Student to Die in Just Three Weeks

The Fifth NMU student to die in just three weeks has sparked shock, grief, and strong protests among students at Nelson Mandela University, who are demanding urgent action to address campus safety, gender-based violence, and mental health support. The passing of 19-year-old second-year student Sesethu Enhle Mboza has intensified outrage, particularly due to circumstances surrounding her death and the handling of a prior assault case she reported before her passing.

Tragedy at NMU Sparks Grief and Protest

Students gathered in large numbers across university campuses on Monday, dressed in black and singing struggle songs as they marched to the administration building. Their message was clear: they believe the university is not doing enough to protect them. For them, this heartbreak is not an isolated event, but part of a growing crisis.

Sesethu, a Bachelor of Arts student, was found at her off-campus residence, and it is believed that she died earlier in the week. Her death came after she reported a traumatic assault incident involving another student months prior. Although a suspect was arrested, they were released on bail and later seen back on campus, a fact that many say deeply affected her emotional well-being.

This incident has led many to question how a campus meant to be a safe learning space could become one where survivors feel exposed and unprotected.

A Wave of Loss Leaves Students in Mourning

The passing of Sesethu is not the only loss felt by NMU in recent weeks. She is The Fifth NMU student to die in just three weeks, forming a pattern that students find alarming and unacceptable.

Within the same timeframe:

• Lihle Shenxane, an Information Technology student, passed away in a drowning incident.

• Aphile Jozana, who was present during the same incident, later passed away in hospital.

• Minenhle Hlongwane, a Law student, died following a robbery off-campus.

• Sikhunjulwe Nkewana, a Logistics student, was found unresponsive at his student residence.

Students say these deaths reveal broader issues of campus safety, support systems, and protection from crime and emotional trauma. Many are asking how five young lives could be lost in such a short span.

Students Demand Accountability and Change

During the march, representatives from the Student Representative Council (SRC) spoke passionately about the need for stronger prevention measures and a more proactive university safety framework.

Incoming SRC president Somila Komani criticized what he described as slow, reactive responses from management:

“As students of this university, we’re sick and tired of statements and email responses. We want real action on the ground. Enough is enough.”

Advocacy organization Women For Change echoed these sentiments, arguing that no survivor should ever be placed in situations where they encounter someone they reported for assault while trying to continue their studies.

Their statement read:

“Survivors deserve safety, dignity, and institutional protection. When a campus environment becomes a place of fear instead of learning, something has gone deeply wrong.”

A Mother’s Grief and Call for Strength

Sesethu’s mother, Sixolile, addressed students through tears, expressing gratitude for the solidarity shown. Despite her pain, her message was one of strength:

“I want my daughter to be known as a survivor and not a victim. Her life mattered.”

Her words moved many to tears and strengthened the resolve among students demanding justice and increased safety.

Gender-Based Violence Remains a Deep Concern

The situation has renewed national attention on gender-based violence in institutions of learning. Students say they no longer feel secure on or off campus, particularly women who have reported harassment or assault.

Many claim that fear of being ignored prevents survivors from reporting incidents.
Others say they have lost confidence in internal disciplinary systems.

Social media testimonies reveal a pattern:
Students allege that individuals accused of wrongdoing are often allowed to return to classes while investigations continue — placing survivors in distress.

University Responds With Condolences and Support Measures

NMU Vice-Chancellor Professor Sibongile Muthwa expressed condolences to the families and acknowledged the emotional impact these repeated tragedies have had on students and staff.

She emphasized that counseling and psychosocial support services are being made available, but students insist that more is needed — not only healing, but prevention.

Calls for Systemic Change Grow Stronger

The tragedy of The Fifth NMU student to die in just three weeks has become a catalyst for a broader conversation about student safety, mental health support, and gender-based violence response policies across South African universities.

Students are calling for:

• A zero-tolerance policy on violence and harassment

• Immediate suspension of accused offenders during investigations

• Increased campus security and safe accommodation measures

• Expanded mental health and trauma counseling access

• Transparent communication between administration and student bodies

As protests continue, NMU faces pressure to demonstrate accountability, empathy, and action — not only statements.

Conclusion

This moment stands at a crossroads. Students, families, and communities are grieving, but they are also calling for meaningful change that protects every student who walks through the university gates.

Because a university should be a place of hope, growth, and ambition — not loss.

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