Zimbabwean Transnet Executive Shot Dead in South Africa Amid Alleged Property Dispute

By Southerton Business Times | Harare

A Zimbabwean business executive who dedicated nearly three decades to South Africa's state-owned rail engineering company, Transnet Engineering, has been shot dead following an alleged dispute over his residential properties. Jeremiah Madondo, who had worked for Transnet Engineering for 28 years, was fatally shot on 19 July 2026 in what relatives say was a confrontation linked to his property investments in South Africa.

Family members said Madondo was shot six times, leaving behind a grieving family and colleagues who described him as a committed professional and respected leader.

Veteran Transnet Executive Killed

According to family members, Madondo had built a successful career with Transnet Engineering, joining the company on 28 January 1998. At the time of his death, he was serving as the Acting Corridor Quality Manager for the North Corridor, based in Vryheid, KwaZulu-Natal. In a condolence message, Transnet Engineering paid tribute to Madondo, describing him as a valued member of the organisation and extending sympathy to his family, friends and colleagues. The company did not disclose further details surrounding the circumstances of his death.

Family Alleges Killing Linked to Property Dispute

Speaking on behalf of the family, spokesperson Ishmael Madondo said relatives had been informed that the fatal shooting followed a dispute involving Jeremiah Madondo's residential properties. According to the family, Madondo had allegedly received notice instructing him to remove tenants from two of his houses before 1 August, after claims that the properties would be taken over.

"We lost a breadwinner, a loving man who has been a source of inspiration," Ishmael Madondo said.

He added that the family believes the dispute centred on three residential properties owned by the deceased. South African police had not publicly confirmed the family's account or announced any arrests by the time of publication. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation.

Colleagues and Family Pay Tribute

Friends and relatives described Madondo as a hardworking professional who spent almost three decades contributing to South Africa's rail engineering sector while supporting his family in Zimbabwe. A memorial service was held at King and Queen's Dorenfontain in South Africa before his body was repatriated. Madondo was laid to rest on Sunday at the family homestead in Hayisoswi Village, Rusape, where relatives, friends and community members gathered to pay their final respects.

His death comes amid growing concern over violent crime affecting both South African citizens and foreign nationals living and working in the country. Police investigations into the fatal shooting are continuing.

Zimbabwean Transnet Engineering executive Jeremiah Madondo has been shot dead in South Africa following an alleged dispute involving his residential properties.

Jeremiah Madondo