A profound wave of shock and heartbreak continues to ripple through the Strand community following the brutal murder of local businessman Ben Zandamela last Wednesday evening (20 May).

Zandamela, the respected 40-year-old owner of Ben Panelbeaters, was gunned down at his business premises at 18A Smit Street around 18:00. Authorities are currently treating the incident as a targeted hit.

Zandamela and his co-workers were finalising a vehicle spray-painting job when two unidentified men entered the workshop. Without speaking, one of the suspects apparently walked directly to Zandamela and opened fire, discharging 10 shots at close range before fleeing in a waiting white vehicle.

In the days following the tragedy, local residents, clients and friends have united in an overwhelming outpouring of grief, remembering a man who was far more than just a local businessman.

Speaking in an emotional interview with DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, Zandamela’s wife, Carol, opened up about the devastating loss of her beloved husband.

Carol shared that the couple had relocated to the area from Mozambique in search of employment about seven years ago. Zandamela started out working as a panelbeater before his entrepreneurial spirit led him to open his own workshop a few years later.

Together, the pair built a life centered around their four children – aged 23, 20, 17 and 12 – and their beloved three-year-old granddaughter.

Recalling the horrific events of Wednesday evening, Carol explained she was at home when the phone rang. It was her son, who had been at the workshop when the gunmen opened fire.

“I was shocked and remained motionless for a while, but he called again and was crying,” Carol recounted.

In a state of sheer panic, she drove to the workshop, briefly losing her way in the utter distress. “I saw him lying on the ground and I rushed to him, but he was already gone.”

he had no enemies

Her son remains deeply traumatised by the horrific shooting. “He can’t eat or sleep,” Carol said.

Describing Ben’s character, Carol remembered a peaceful, dedicated family man who lived an honest life.

“I will always remember him as a father and husband. My kids loved and adored him. He was friendly and an open book, always teaching them. They were so close to him. He never fought with anyone – he had no enemies. No drinking, no smoking. We used to sit and chat in the office. I lost my best friend, a humble guy.”

As the community struggles to process the loss, an official memorial service has been arranged to celebrate Zandamela’s life.

The service will be held on Wednesday 27 May at 17:00 at his workplace in Smit Street, Strand, where devoutly lived his passion through hard work. The family has extended an open invitation to all who knew him, stating: “Your presence and memories will mean so much.”

On social media, Zandamela is remembered for his exceptional work ethic, humility and fierce loyalty to his friends and clients.

One grieving client shared: “He was so humble and always going the extra mile for his clients. May his soul rest in peace. He truly went above and beyond.”

Another local captured the widespread respect Zandamela earned across the community, offering words of comfort to the family: “Ben was a wonderful, honest man. Humble, affordable, beautiful person. Ben will be missed. Strength to his wife and children.”

Strand police continue to investigate the matter and no arrests have yet been made.