The man police wanted over the shooting of Midlands State University student Lisedi Nkomo has been found dead in Chiredzi, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has said.

Ms Nkomo, 25, was a psychology student at MSU. She died after allegedly being shot at a boarding house in Senga, Gweru, on Thursday 8 October. Police named her ex-husband, Godknows Muleya, 30, as the suspect.

According to a ZRP statement quoted by several outlets, Muleya's body was found at a guest lodge in Chiredzi on Saturday 10 October. Police say he had a gunshot wound to the forehead. A pistol and a spent cartridge were recovered at the scene.

Police say investigations into the circumstances of his death are under way. Some reports have described how he died, but police have not announced any conclusion.

Unanswered questions

Because the suspect has died, the allegation that he shot Ms Nkomo will not be tested in court.

A caretaker at the Senga boarding house gave Pindula News an account of the events there. Separately, a Facebook post described as apologising has been reported as appearing on an account in Muleya's name. Zimbo Grapevine has not been able to verify who wrote it.

A wider concern

The case has spread widely on Zimbabwean social media. It has renewed concern about gender-based violence and the safety of students in off-campus accommodation.

Our thoughts are with Ms Nkomo's family, friends and fellow students at MSU.

If you or someone you know is affected by gender-based violence, contact the ZRP Victim Friendly Unit at your nearest police station, or a support organisation such as Musasa.

Sources: The Herald, "MSU student's alleged killer found dead at Chiredzi lodge – ZRP", 11 Oct 2026: https://www.heraldonline.co.zw/msu-students-alleged-killer-found-dead-at-chiredzi-lodge-zrp/ · ZimLive, "MSU student killer found dead from gunshot wound at Chiredzi lodge", 11 Oct 2026: https://www.zimlive.com/msu-student-killer-found-dead-from-gunshot-wound-at-chiredzi-lodge/ · Pindula News, "Man wanted over killing of MSU student found dead with gunshot wound in Chiredzi", 11 Oct 2026: https://news.pindula.co.zw/2026/10/11/man-wanted-over-killing-of-msu-student-found-dead-with-gunshot-wound-in-chiredzi/