A Zimbabwean business executive employed by South Africa’s Transnet Engineering has been shot dead after becoming embroiled in a dispute involving his rental properties.
Jeremiah Madondo, who had worked for the state-owned rail engineering company for 28 years, was killed on July 19 after reportedly being shot multiple times during an altercation.
Family members say he was struck by six bullets.
At the time of his death, Madondo was serving as the Acting Corridor Quality Manager for the North Corridor, based in Vryheid, South Africa.
In a statement announcing his death, Transnet Engineering paid tribute to the veteran employee.
“It is with great sadness to announce the passing of our dear colleague Mr Jeremiah Madondo on the 19th of July 2026.
“Mr Madondo joined the Transnet Engineering family on the 28th of January 1998.
“At the time of his passing, he was acting as a Corridor Quality Manager for North Corridor based in Vryheid. Transnet Engineering would like to extend their sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.”
A memorial service was held last Friday at King and Queens Dorenfontain in South Africa before his body was repatriated to Zimbabwe.
He was buried on Sunday at his family home in Hayisoswi Village, Rusape.
Dispute over properties
Family spokesperson Ishmael Madondo said relatives had been informed that the killing was linked to a dispute over three residential properties owned by the deceased.
According to the family, tenants occupying two of the houses had allegedly been instructed to vacate before August 1, amid claims that the properties would be taken over by South Africans.
“We lost a breadwinner, a loving man who has been a source of inspiration,” Ishmael Madondo said.
“We have been informed that he was shot to death over his three residential properties.”
He added that the family had been told tenants received notices ordering them to leave.
“His tenants were warned to leave the houses because there were claims that by August 1, 2026, the houses would be owned by a South African.
“We laid Jeremiah to rest in Rusape.”
Authorities in South Africa have not yet publicly confirmed the circumstances surrounding the shooting or announced any arrests.
Police investigations into the killing are understood to be ongoing.
Madondo’s death has left family, friends and colleagues mourning a man remembered for his long service at Transnet Engineering and his dedication to both his profession and his family.
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