MSU Student Shot Dead as Ex-Husband Allegedly Holds Students Hostage

Gweru — A 25-year-old Midlands State University (MSU) fourth-year Psychology student was shot dead by her ex-husband at a boarding house in Senga, Gweru, following a dispute, police have said.

The victim, Lisedi Nkomo, died on Thursday, October 8, 2026, around 5:30 pm after she was allegedly shot once in the forehead by her ex-husband, Godknows Muleya, who is now being sought by police in connection with the murder.

In a statement, Zimbabwe Republic Police Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said the suspect allegedly fled after locking other tenants inside a room at the boarding house and taking their mobile phones.

“The ZRP is investigating a case of murder in which a fourth-year Psychology student at Midlands State University, Lisedi Nkomo (25), died at a boarding house in Senga, Gweru on 08/10/2026,” Commissioner Nyathi said.

He said Nkomo was allegedly shot once on the forehead by Muleya following a dispute.

After the shooting, the suspect allegedly locked other tenants inside a room before taking their cellphones and fleeing the scene, according to the police account.

Police have appealed to members of the public to provide information that could lead to Muleya’s arrest.

“Anyone with information which may assist in locating the suspect” should report it at the nearest police station, Commissioner Nyathi said.

The shooting reportedly occurred at the KMP boarding house in Senga, where Nkomo lived with other students. The suspect is reported to have arrived at the property earlier that afternoon, hours before the fatal confrontation.

Local media and social media reports say other students rushed out of their rooms after hearing a gunshot.

Muleya allegedly threatened them with the firearm, took their mobile phones and forced them into a room where Nkomo’s body lay before locking them inside and fleeing.

The caretaker, Blessing Nkomo, told local media that she was away from the property when the incident occurred.

After receiving a phone call from one for the students she, and her husband, returned to the property accompanied by police officers.

The students were reportedly still locked inside when the caretaker arrived. With the keys inside the room, a crowbar was obtained to force the door open.

Police examined the scene, where Nkomo’s body was reportedly found lying face upwards in a pool of blood.

Police recovered a 6.25mm cartridge from the floor, found a broken Itel mobile phone and a Samsung Galaxy A05s at the scene.

The suspect reportedly left in a silver-grey Toyota Wish. 

The caretaker told local media that information she received from students suggested that the suspect had visited the property about two weeks earlier and had been attempting to reconcile with the deceased. 

Nkomo reportedly leaves behind an infant, estimated to be between eight and nine months old, who was said to be living with the child’s paternal grandmother.