In a deeply tragic event that has sent shockwaves through Dundee and beyond, Dr. Fortune Gomo, a respected scientist aged 39, was found fatally injured on South Road at approximately 4:25 PM on Saturday, July 5, 2025. Despite the swift response from emergency services, Dr. Gomo was pronounced dead at the scene, her life cut short in what police are now treating as a murder.
The investigation is ongoing, with a 20-year-old man, Kyler Rattray from Dundee, charged with her murder. He appeared in private at Dundee Sheriff Court on Monday, July 7, 2025, where he made no plea and was remanded in custody. The case is scheduled to return to court within eight days, by July 15. Police Scotland has expressed confidence that no other individuals were involved and that there is no wider threat to the public.
Chief Superintendent Nicola Russell, Dundee's local police commander, spoke candidly about the impact of Dr. Gomo's death on the community, stating, "The death of Fortune Gomo has caused shock in Dundee." She emphasized the commitment of Police Scotland to maintaining safer communities and detailed that senior officers have met with local community representatives to offer reassurance and support during this difficult time.
Russell also addressed the dangers posed by misinformation circulating on social media, urging the public not to speculate or share unverified information that could jeopardize the legal process or cause further distress to Dr. Gomo's family. "Working with partners to tackle violence and make Scotland's communities safe for all women and girls is a priority for Police Scotland," she added. Increased patrols have been deployed in the area, and members of the public with concerns are encouraged to engage with officers on the streets.
Dr. Gomo’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from colleagues, friends, and the wider community. Originally from Mutare in eastern Zimbabwe, she was a shining example of academic and professional excellence. After completing her initial studies at the National University of Science and Technology in Zimbabwe, she pursued further education in the Netherlands before settling in the UK for the past decade.
Her academic journey culminated with a PhD in Geography and Environmental Science from the University of Dundee, where she also served as a postdoctoral research assistant. Her doctoral research focused on the intricate relationships between environmental factors and policy-making within the Zambezi river basin, with particular attention to Malawi, underscoring her commitment to environmental sustainability and water resource management.
In February 2025, Dr. Gomo began working full-time as a senior service planner in the water resources planning section at Scottish Water, where she quickly became a highly valued and respected member of the team. Professor Simon Parsons, director of environment planning and assurance at Scottish Water, expressed deep sorrow over her passing: "Everyone at Scottish Water, where Dr. Fortune Gomo worked, is shocked and saddened by her death and we send our deepest sympathies to her family and friends. Fortune was an exceptional scientist and a senior service planner in our water resources planning section based in Dundee where, having joined us in February, she had already become a highly valued and respected member of our team. We are supporting her colleagues at Scottish Water following this incident."
Her university community echoed these sentiments. Professor Nigel Seaton, interim principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Dundee, described the event as "truly shocking" and acknowledged the distress felt by those who knew and worked with Dr. Gomo, especially within the university's close-knit African community.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Gomo was a mother and a beloved figure among friends and family. Her brother, Regis Nyatsanza, speaking from Harare, Zimbabwe, shared poignant memories: "Two weeks ago we were laughing about throwing her a big 40th birthday bash but she said she had achieved most of what she wanted. After all the struggle she had everything she wanted and so she was going to have a quiet celebration." He described her as the eldest of four siblings and the "deputy parent" of the family, underscoring her nurturing role.
Friends have also paid heartfelt tributes. Angela Machonesa, a former classmate from Zimbabwe who studied alongside Dr. Gomo at Chinhoyi High School and the National University of Science and Technology, wrote on Facebook: "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. She listened. She cared. She uplifted. No wonder she went on to earn her PhD. It was only natural. Her path was written in the stars long ago. To serve. To lead. To heal."
In Dundee, the community has rallied to honor Dr. Gomo's memory. Floral tributes have been laid near the site of the incident on South Road, with messages expressing shock and sorrow. Additionally, a fundraising event is planned at Sandy's Bar on Sunday, July 13, 2025, to support her family during this difficult time.
The Zimbabwean embassy has also been actively involved. Following confirmation that Dr. Gomo was fatally stabbed, the embassy dispatched a team to Dundee to liaise with Scottish authorities and provide support to her immediate family. The embassy emphasized its commitment to ensuring that Zimbabwean citizens are treated with dignity and that justice is pursued diligently.
Police continue to appeal for information from anyone who was in the South Road area around the time of the incident. They ask witnesses or anyone with relevant details to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2283 of July 5, 2025, or to reach out to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Detective Superintendent Peter Sharp, leading the investigation, reassured the public that inquiries are ongoing but that there is no wider risk to the community. He urged people to refrain from speculation and emphasized the importance of respecting the privacy of Dr. Gomo's family during this tragic time.
As Dundee mourns the loss of a brilliant scientist and cherished member of the community, the focus remains on supporting those affected and ensuring that justice is served. Dr. Fortune Gomo's legacy of dedication to science, environmental stewardship, and compassion will not be forgotten.
