Former Boxing Champion Zolani Tete Shot and Killed in South Africa

Police Investigation Into the Mdantsane Ambush

South African Police Service provincial spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed that a murder investigation is currently active following the 6:30 PM shooting, as reported by the Daily Dispatch. Preliminary reports indicate that two unknown suspects emerged from a vehicle and opened fire on Tete and a 27-year-old female passenger in the vehicle. In an attempt to escape the gunfire, Tete drove his vehicle into the yard before succumbing to his injuries at the scene.

The female passenger sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment, according to statements from South Africa’s Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie. Local police have not yet made any arrests, and officials stated that further information regarding the circumstances of the attack will be released as the investigation progresses.

Zolani Tete’s Championship Boxing Career

Tete established an elite global reputation as a southpaw puncher, capturing multiple world titles across different weight classes throughout his professional career. According to official boxing records, he held the World Boxing Foundation (WBF) flyweight title from 2007 to 2008 and later secured the World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight world title in 2017, defending it successfully until 2019.

View this post on Instagram about former boxing champion zolani, Zolani Tete

His international breakthrough arrived in 2014 when he defeated Teiru Kinoshita on points in Japan to claim the IBF junior-bantamweight world title, prior to capturing the WBO interim belt. Tete also etched his name into boxing history books by scoring an 11-second knockout with the very first punch of his 2017 world title defense against Siboniso Gonya, marking the fastest knockout ever recorded in a world-title fight. He finished his professional career with 29 victories—including 22 knockouts—four defeats, and one no contest.

The Road to a Planned Ring Return

Tete’s career faced a significant hurdle following his final bout in July 2022, when he defeated Britain’s Jason Cunningham at London’s Wembley Arena. That victory was subsequently overturned after a positive test for stanozolol, resulting in a four-year suspension from the sport.

Throughout the sanction, Tete consistently maintained his innocence and denied knowingly ingesting the banned substance. With his suspension having officially expired in July, his manager Mlandeli Tengimfene confirmed to the Daily Dispatch that the boxer had been actively training and was scheduled to make his professional return to the ring on November 29.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Zolani Tete?

Zolani Tete was a 38-year-old South African professional boxer and former world champion who held titles in the flyweight, junior-bantamweight, and bantamweight divisions.

Where did the shooting take place?

According to South African police, the fatal shooting occurred on Friday evening in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, as Tete arrived at his residence.

Were there any other victims in the vehicle?

Yes. A 27-year-old woman traveling in the car with Tete sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to a local hospital for treatment, according to sports minister Gayton McKenzie.

What was the status of his boxing career at the time of his death?

Tete had recently completed a four-year suspension related to a test—which he consistently denied—and his manager Mlandeli Tengimfene stated he was preparing for a scheduled return to the ring on November 29.

---

We want to hear from you. Share your memories of Zolani Tete’s boxing career in the comments section below, and subscribe to our newsletter for ongoing updates on this developing story.