DUNDEE, SCOTLAND – The Zimbabwean community both in the United Kingdom and back home in Zimbabwe is in mourning following the tragic death of Dr Fortune Gomo, a Zimbabwean scientist who was stabbed to death in Dundee, Scotland, on Saturday. Dr Gomo, a recent PhD graduate from the University of Dundee, was 39 years old.
Reports indicate that the brutal attack occurred around dusk on South Road in Dundee as Dr Gomo was walking with her 10-year-old daughter. Despite the swift response of paramedics, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The news of Dr Gomo’s death has sparked outrage and grief, particularly within the local African community in Dundee, who are demanding justice for the slain scientist. A 20-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder and is expected to appear before Dundee Sheriff Court. Following a post-mortem examination, Police Scotland have confirmed they are treating the death as murder.
The incident has also raised concerns about the perceived lack of media coverage and police responsiveness, with some members of the Black community expressing their frustration in viral online videos.
In one such video, a tearful Black woman passionately addressed a police officer, saying, “You can take my picture or record me—I don’t care. I’m speaking boldly because I don’t mind.”
She continued, “This is about that innocent woman who was murdered, someone who was going to support the Dundee community. She was a doctor, just graduated with a PhD from Dundee University. She had so much to offer, unlike the person who killed her. We’re hardworking people… The media should be talking to us, listening to us, and sharing our story, but they don’t hear us.”
Scottish authorities have since issued a statement confirming the arrest of a suspect and appealing for public assistance in the investigation.
Detective Superintendent Peter Sharp, who is leading the investigation, said: “Firstly, my thoughts remain with Fortune’s family at this incredibly sad time. They are being supported by specialist officers and I would ask that their privacy is respected.”
He added that inquiries were continuing and assured the public that the incident “poses no wider risk to the public”.
Det Supt Sharp also addressed the concerns circulating on social media, urging the public “not to speculate about the circumstances of the incident.” He added, “The public will notice a visibly increased police presence in the area and I would encourage anyone who has any concerns to speak with our officers.”
Dr Gomo, who worked for Scottish Water, lived locally and was a graduate of the University of Dundee. She had recently joined Scottish Water as a senior service planner in water resource planning and was “thriving in her career”.
Prof Nigel Seaton, interim principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Dundee, expressed the university’s shock at the death of the former research assistant.
“Her death, following an alleged attack in South Road, Dundee, on Saturday afternoon, is a truly shocking event in our city and for our University community,” Prof Seaton said. “It will be particularly distressing for those who knew and worked with Fortune throughout her time here at the University, and for all of those in our close-knit community of African colleagues and students. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues at this tragic time.”
Prof Seaton confirmed that Dr Gomo was a PhD student and then postdoctoral research assistant in geography at the University of Dundee until February 2022. He also stated that students affected by Dr Gomo’s death could find “support and solace” in the university’s Chaplaincy Centre, which will open on Monday.
Back in Zimbabwe, news of Dr Gomo’s death has been met with profound sadness and disbelief. Angela Machonesa, who wrote on Facebook that she had been at school and university with Dr Gomo, said her death had left her heartbroken.
She said: “Her brilliance in the classroom was only matched by her emotional intelligence. She was the kind of person you’d go to when you needed clarity, not just of mind, but of heart. We are heartbroken. We are angry. We are disoriented. But we are also united in one voice: Fortune Gomo mattered. Her life mattered. Her legacy must never be forgotten.”
The Zimbabwean community is now rallying together to support Dr Gomo’s family during this incredibly difficult time. Details regarding repatriation of her remains are yet to be announced.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Police Scotland. The investigation is ongoing.
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