Latest news with #AngelaMachonesa
BBC News
07-07-2025
- BBC News
Friends 'heartbroken' after scientist Fortune Gomo killed in Dundee
Friends and colleagues of a scientist killed on a street in Dundee at the weekend have spoken of their shock and heartbreak. Dr Fortune Gomo, 39, was treated by paramedics but died in the city's Lochee area on Saturday afternoon after an incident which police are treating as murderDr Gomo, who was originally from Zimbabwe, had graduated with a PhD from Dundee University, and recently started working for Scottish Water. A friend who went to school with her in Zimbabwe said she was both heartbroken and angry, while Dr Gomo's employer described her as an "exceptional scientist". A 20-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident which happened on the city's South Street at about 16:25. Angela Machonesa wrote on Facebook that she had been at school and university with Dr Gomo in Zimbabwe, and that news of her death had left her devastated. 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."Collections have been started in Dundee to raise money for Dr Gomo's family and many floral tributes have been left at the scene. A message attached to one of the said: "We're utterly shocked that this has happened in our community. May the angels watch over you." Respected scientist Dr Gomo had spent several years in water-related research after completing her doctorate in geography and environmental science at University of started working full-time for Scottish Water six months ago as a senior resource planner. Prof Simon Parsons, director of environment planning at Scottish Water, offered the company's deepest sympathies to her family and friends. He said: "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." Police have said Dr Gomo's family are being supported by specialist officers. Det Supt Peter Sharp, leading the investigation, said inquries were continuing but there was no wider risk to the public. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Police 20-year-old man who has been arrested was due to appear at Dundee Sheriff Court later on Monday.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Yahoo
Death of scientist in Dundee ‘being treated as murder' as man charged
The death of a scientist in Dundee is being investigated as a murder and a 20-year-old man has been charged, police said. Police Scotland on Sunday named the victim as Dr Fortune Gomo, 39, who was a mother living in the area. Officers were called to a report that a woman had been seriously injured in the city's South Road at around 4.25pm on Saturday. She was treated by paramedics but pronounced dead at the scene. 'A post-mortem has taken place and her death is now being treated as murder,' the force said on Sunday. Dr Gomo's high school and university friend said her 'brilliance in the classroom was only matched by her emotional intelligence'. Police have launched a probe into the death (stock pic) (Image: PA) Angela Machonesa studied with Dr Gomo at Chinhoyi High School and the National University of Science and Technology, which are both in Zimbabwe, south-east Africa. In a social media post, she said: '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. And she was doing just that. 'But now, that dream, our Fortune's dream, has been violently, senselessly, stolen from us all. She added: 'A child will now grow up without the love and presence of a mother. A family will mourn a daughter who once lit up their home with hope and promise.' Ms Machonesa said she and Dr Gomo went their separate ways after their studies. Dr Gomo was an environmental and water resources scientist and her specialisms included water resources management, environmental sustainability, and policy. According to social media, she was employed by Scottish Water in water resources planning. She was awarded a PhD in Geography and Environmental Science from the University of Dundee. Her doctorate looked at the links between the environment and policy making in the Zambezi river basin, particularly in Malawi. Professor Nigel Seaton, University of Dundee's interim principal and vice-chancellor, said the death of the former research assistant 'is a truly shocking event in our city and for our university community', BBC News reported. He added: '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.' A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal and the man arrested is to appear at Dundee Sheriff Court on Monday. READ MORE: 'Life-changing' work at university selected for prestigious science showcase Dundee University roiled as interim finance chief quits after eight days in job Scottish families vote V&A Dundee as one of best museums in UK Detective Superintendent Peter Sharp, the officer in charge of the inquiry, said his thoughts are with Dr Gomo's family. 'They are being supported by specialist officers and I would ask that their privacy is respected,' he said. Det Supt Sharp added: 'Our enquiries are continuing and I remain satisfied that the incident poses no wider risk to the public. 'At this early stage of the investigation we are following a number of lines of inquiry.' He said he is 'acutely aware of content circulating on social media' and urged members of the public not to speculate on the circumstances of the incident. There will be an increased police presence in the area. Witnesses and anyone with information on the incident have been asked to contact the force on 101 quoting incident number 2283 of July 5 2025. They can also speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Daily Mail
06-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Murder probe as mum is found dying in street
Tributes have been paid to a scientist who was allegedly murdered in broad daylight. Dr Fortune Gomo, 39, was attacked on Saturday afternoon as she walked on South Road in Dundee. Emergency services were alerted to the incident at around 4.25pm but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Police confirmed that following a post-mortem examination, the incident is being treated as murder and that a 20-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with Dr Gomo's death. A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal and he is due to appear at Dundee Sheriff Court today. Dr Gomo, who is believed to have had a ten-year-old daughter, had moved from Zimbabwe to Scotland to complete a PhD at the University of Dundee. An expert in water conservation, Dr Gomo led initiatives to improve water and food security in both Scotland and sub-Saharan Africa, and was hailed as a 'rising star' in her field. The mother's death has been condemned as 'truly shocking' by her friends and colleagues both in Scotland and in Africa. Angela Machonesa, who studied with Dr Gomo in Zimbabwe, wrote: 'A child will now grow up without the love and presence of a mother. A family will mourn a daughter who once lit up their home with hope and promise. 'A community, ours, will ache for a friend, a sister, a schoolmate, who inspired us all. Her future was not just her own, it belonged to all of us who saw the power of what an African girl can become when given a chance and when fuelled by brilliance.' A spokesman for the University of Dundee added: 'This has been a truly shocking event in our city and for our university community. 'It will be particularly distressing for those who knew and worked with Fortune throughout her time as a PhD student and postdoctoral research assistant in geography, and for all of those in our close-knit community of African colleagues and students. 'Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this tragic time.' Members of Dundee's Zimbabwean community gathered in the city yesterday afternoon to pay their respects to Dr Gomo and demand action on spiralling crime across the country. Choking back tears, one resident told crowds: 'Why should we live in fear? Why should our kids live in fear? We demand peace.' Detective Superintendent Peter Sharp, the officer leading the inquiry, 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. 'Our enquiries are continuing and I remain satisfied that the incident poses no wider risk to the public. At this early stage of the investigation we are following a number of lines of inquiry. I am also acutely aware of content circulating on social media and would urge the public not to speculate about the circumstances of the incident. 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.' DS Sharp said it had been a 'distressing incident for those who witnessed and attended the incident' and appealed for anyone who can assist officers to contact Police Scotland on 101 or to call Crimestoppers free on 0800 555 111.
The Independent
06-07-2025
- The Independent
Death of scientist in Dundee ‘being treated as murder' as man charged
The death of a scientist in Dundee is being investigated as a murder and a 20-year-old man has been charged, police said. Police Scotland on Sunday named the victim as Dr Fortune Gomo, 39, who was a mother living in the area. Officers were called to a report that a woman had been seriously injured in the city's South Road at around 4.25pm on Saturday. She was treated by paramedics but pronounced dead at the scene. 'A post-mortem has taken place and her death is now being treated as murder,' the force said on Sunday. Dr Gomo's high school and university friend said her 'brilliance in the classroom was only matched by her emotional intelligence'. Angela Machonesa studied with Dr Gomo at Chinhoyi High School and the National University of Science and Technology, which are both in Zimbabwe, south-east Africa. In a social media post, she said: '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. And she was doing just that. 'But now, that dream, our Fortune's dream, has been violently, senselessly, stolen from us all. She added: 'A child will now grow up without the love and presence of a mother. A family will mourn a daughter who once lit up their home with hope and promise.' Ms Machonesa said she and Dr Gomo went their separate ways after their studies. Dr Gomo was an environmental and water resources scientist and her specialisms included water resources management, environmental sustainability, and policy. According to social media, she was employed by Scottish Water in water resources planning. She was awarded a PhD in Geography and Environmental Science from the University of Dundee. Her doctorate looked at the links between the environment and policy making in the Zambezi river basin, particularly in Malawi. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal and the man arrested is to appear at Dundee Sheriff Court on Monday. Detective Superintendent Peter Sharp, the officer in charge of the inquiry, said his thoughts are with Dr Gomo's family. 'They are being supported by specialist officers and I would ask that their privacy is respected,' he said. Det Supt Sharp added: 'Our enquiries are continuing and I remain satisfied that the incident poses no wider risk to the public. 'At this early stage of the investigation we are following a number of lines of inquiry.' He said he is 'acutely aware of content circulating on social media' and urged members of the public not to speculate on the circumstances of the incident. There will be an increased police presence in the area. Witnesses and anyone with information on the incident have been asked to contact the force on 101 quoting incident number 2283 of July 5 2025. They can also speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
