Nelson Mandela University (NMU) has announced a “fact-finding” inquiry following the tragic death of student Sesethu Enhle Mboza, who committed suicide after allegedly being raped by a fellow student.
In a statement yesterday, the institution said the incident had profoundly affected the NMU community.
Mboza (19), a second-year Bachelor of Arts student, tragically died by suicide at an off-campus residence on or around Friday, 31 October.
According to Women For Change, a non-profit organisation that advocates against gender-based violence, Mboza was allegedly raped by a fellow NMU student.
Earlier this week, the organisation expressed shock and outrage that the accused student was allowed to return to campus after being charged.
At the time police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg, confirmed that a rape case was opened after the 19-year-old reported the incident on 26 September.
The suspect was later arrested on 28 September but was released on bail on 10 October.
University’s response
“The proximity and gravity of the incident has profoundly affected our entire university community and brought into sharp focus the collective responsibility we share for the safety and wellbeing of our students,” Vice-Chancellor Professor Sibongile Muthwa said.
According to NMU, the outcomes of the inquiry will be implemented and form the basis for engagement in relation to policy and practice, accountability frameworks and holistic support systems aimed at fostering a safe, caring and resilient internal environment.
“In undertaking this investigation, we honour the memory of Sesethu by striving to ensure that her passing strengthens our resolve to care for one another even more and to build a community grounded in empathy, vigilance and shared humanity,” Muthwa concluded.
