Mbabane – The High Commission of India in Mbabane has issued a statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and subsequent death of Liswati student Mr. Senzelwe Sisonke Nkambule, who passed away in Raipur, India, on 22 September 2025.
Nkambule, born on 13 November 2002 and son of Mr. Enock Nkambule, had travelled to India with three other Liswati students to join MATS University as a private Bachelor of Technology student. He was reported missing at Mumbai Airport on 13 September after missing his connecting flight to Raipur. The other three students boarded the flight and reportedly noticed Nkambule’s absence only after departure. It remains unclear whether the airline was informed of his absence prior to take-off.
Following the report, the High Commission immediately contacted the educational consultant Global Arcus, which launched a search for Nkambule. On 16 September, NDTV Marathi broadcast a video showing a foreign student near Mumbra, Thane District, involved in a confrontation with locals before being restrained by police and released. Mr. Enock Nkambule, the student’s father, identified his son in the footage. During this time it emerged that Nkambule had a history of mental health challenges and was on regular medication, information that had not been disclosed to authorities or the university prior to travel.
Nkambule was eventually located on 18 September in Mumbai, far from his last known location, after a passer-by responded to notices issued by local authorities. At the time of recovery, he had lost all his baggage and travel documents and was provided with medical attention, food, and clothing.
Eswatini’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation was informed and requested to issue an emergency travel document for Nkambule’s return. While awaiting these documents, MATS University provided accommodation, food, and medical supervision at its hostel in Raipur, where other Liswati students assisted in ensuring his comfort and wellbeing.
On 22 September, a roommate reported that Nkambule had collapsed in the hostel. He was immediately taken to Pt. JNM Medical College Hospital in Raipur, where he was declared dead on arrival. A post-mortem established the cause of death as cerebral thrombosis due to deep vein thrombosis. Indian authorities conducted an inquest and cleared the body for repatriation.
Following the wishes of his parents, Nkambule’s remains were transported back to Eswatini with support from the High Commission of Eswatini in Kuala Lumpur, which helped prepare all necessary documentation.
The High Commission of India expressed condolences to the Nkambule family and friends, describing the incident as deeply unfortunate. The statement was issued in Mbabane on 3 October 2025.
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