A Zimbabwean business executive who had built a successful career in South Africa has been laid to rest in his hometown after he was tragically shot and killed in what his family believes was a dispute linked to his residential properties.
Jeremiah Madondo, who worked for Transnet Engineering for nearly three decades, died after being shot multiple times on 19 July 2026. According to relatives, the attack allegedly stemmed from a disagreement over houses he owned in South Africa.
Family members claim Madondo was struck by six bullets during the fatal shooting. His death has left relatives, friends, and colleagues devastated as they remember him as a hardworking professional, devoted family man, and a source of support for many people.
Madondo dedicated 28 years of service to Transnet Engineering, where he had risen through the ranks to become the Acting Corridor Quality Manager for the North Corridor based in Vryheid. Throughout his career, he was respected for his professionalism and commitment to his work.
Following his passing, Transnet Engineering released a heartfelt statement expressing sorrow over the loss of one of its long-serving employees.
The company said it was deeply saddened by Madondo’s death and extended its sincere condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues during what it described as an incredibly difficult period. The organisation also acknowledged his many years of dedicated service since joining the company in January 1998.
A memorial service was held in South Africa last Friday, where colleagues and loved ones gathered to pay tribute to his life and achievements. His body was later transported to Zimbabwe, where he was buried at his family home in Hayisoswi Village, Rusape, on Sunday.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Ishmael Madondo said Jeremiah’s death followed reports that his tenants had received instructions to vacate two of his residential properties before 1 August 2026.
According to Ishmael, the tenants were allegedly informed that the houses would soon be taken over by South Africans. The family believes this may have contributed to the circumstances leading to the fatal shooting, although authorities have not officially confirmed the motive for the attack.
“We have lost a breadwinner and a man who inspired many people,” Ishmael said. “We were informed that he was killed because of issues surrounding his residential properties. His tenants had reportedly been warned to leave because there were claims that the houses would belong to someone else by the beginning of August.”
The family says they are still searching for answers and hope investigators will establish exactly what happened and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Madondo’s death has also sparked concern among members of the Zimbabwean community living and working in South Africa, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
As relatives continue to mourn, they remember Jeremiah Madondo not only for his professional accomplishments but also for the support he gave to his family and community. His passing has left a significant void in the lives of those who knew him, while the investigation into his death is expected to continue.
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