A murder investigation has been launched following the tragic death of Dr Fortune Gomo, a respected scientist originally from Zimbabwe, who was found seriously injured on South Road in Dundee on Saturday afternoon. The 39-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 16:25.
A 20-year-old man has since been arrested and charged in connection with her death and is expected to appear before Dundee Sheriff Court. Police Scotland confirmed the post-mortem results led them to treat the death as murder.
Dr Gomo, a former University of Dundee student, had recently joined Scottish Water as a senior service planner in water resource planning. She had previously completed her PhD and worked as a postdoctoral research assistant in geography at the University of Dundee until early 2022.
Tributes have poured in from across academic and professional communities. Prof Nigel Seaton, interim principal and vice-chancellor at the university, described the news as “truly shocking,” especially for those who had worked closely with Dr Gomo. “She was thriving in her career and had a profound impact on those around her,” he said.
The university has offered support to grieving students and staff through its Chaplaincy Centre, which opened for drop-in support on Monday.
Detective Superintendent Peter Sharp, who is leading the investigation, expressed condolences to Dr Gomo’s family and urged the public not to speculate about the incident, particularly in light of circulating social media content. He reassured the community that there is no wider threat to public safety and encouraged anyone with information to come forward.
A visibly increased police presence remains in the area as inquiries continue.
Friends and former classmates have also paid tribute online. Angela Machonesa, who attended school and university with Dr Gomo in Zimbabwe, described her as a brilliant, emotionally intelligent individual who brought clarity and warmth to everyone around her.
“We are heartbroken. We are angry. We are disoriented. But we are also united in one voice: Fortune Gomo mattered,” she wrote.
Scottish Water has yet to release an official statement.
