Former world champion boxer Zolani Tete has been shot and killed outside his home in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, officials said on Friday. The 38-year-old was attacked in his car in Mdantsane, while a 27-year-old woman travelling with him was also shot and left seriously injured.
According to police, Tete had arrived at his residence and was waiting for the gate to open when two armed suspects wearing balaclavas approached the vehicle and opened fire. Tete suffered fatal injuries, while the woman was taken to hospital for treatment.
South Africa’s sports, arts and culture minister Gayton McKenzie paid tribute to the boxer and described his death as a devastating loss for the country. “South Africa has lost one of the finest fighters it has ever produced,” McKenzie said.
“I want to speak first to his family and to the people of Mdantsane. There are no words I can offer tonight that will be equal to what you have lost. Your son’s name will not be treated lightly by this country, and my department and I are at your disposal in the days ahead, in whatever way is useful to you,” he added.
TETE’S EXTRAORDINARY BOXING LEGACY
Known as “Last Born”, Tete built an impressive career across multiple weight classes. He held the WBF flyweight world title from 2007 to 2008 before capturing the WBO bantamweight crown in 2017 and holding it again in 2019.
Tete also produced one of boxing’s most extraordinary finishes in 2017. He knocked out fellow South African Siboniso Gonya in just 11 seconds, setting a record for the fastest knockout in a world title fight.
His career was later interrupted after a fight in July 2022 resulted in a four-year ban for stanozolol. The suspension was due to end on July 29, 2026, and Tete had been preparing for a return to the ring after completing the ban.
Police have launched an investigation into the shooting, while the attackers fled the scene after the ambush.
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