Tragedy Strikes NMU: University Reeling from Spate of Fatalities
Nelson Mandela University (NMU) is once again enveloped in grief following the death of its sixth student in just two months. This tragic sequence of events has sent shockwaves through the entire university community.
Third-Year Student Dies by Suicide
The most recent tragedy occurred in the early hours of Saturday (November 9, 2025). The university confirmed that Mr. Thabiso Ernest Nini, a third-year Bachelor of Education student, had died by suicide.
NMU’s protection services were alerted by students studying nearby. Following the painful discovery, the South African Police Service and emergency services were called. The two students who found Mr. Nini were immediately taken to the hospital to be treated for shock.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sibongile Muthwa conveyed heartfelt condolences to Nini’s family and loved ones. She assured the community that psychosocial support remains available for all affected students and staff.
A Devastating Timeline of Loss
Mr. Nini’s death marks the sixth student fatality in two months, with five of those occurring within just the past three weeks. The preceding tragedies include:
- Another Suicide Inquiry: NMU is conducting a fact-finding inquiry into the suicide of second-year student Sesethu Mboza on October 31 at an off-campus residence.
- Drowning Incidents: On October 31, two students faced difficulties while swimming at Victoria Bay in George. Lihle Shenxane (Higher Certificate in Information Technology) drowned, and Aphile Jozana (Higher Certificate in Business Studies) was hospitalized in critical condition, later passing away on November 2.
- Off-Campus Violence: Earlier in October, one student was killed and another injured during a burglary at an off-campus residence in Summerstrand.
- Fatal Altercation: A 24-year-old third-year logistics student was found unresponsive and declared dead following a fight with another student at Premier Student Accommodation (PSA) in Gqeberha. A 26-year-old suspect has since been arrested on a murder charge.
University Extends Support Amidst Profound Sorrow
Prof. Muthwa expressed deep sorrow over the string of tragedies, stating: “We grieve alongside them and hold them close in our thoughts and prayers during this time of profound sorrow.”
The university emphasized that its Emthonjeni student counselling services are actively providing ongoing psychosocial support to everyone grappling with these cumulative losses.
