Former world boxing champion Zolani Tete was shot and killed at age 38 outside his home in Mdantsane, South Africa, according to international media reports and local police. The South African athlete was sitting in a vehicle waiting for his gate to open when two masked men launched the attack, local authorities stated.
Police Investigation and Official Reactions
Local police launched an investigation into the shooting, though no information regarding the motivation for the crime has been released yet, according to reports. A woman who was accompanying the boxer during the incident also sustained injuries and remains hospitalized, officials confirmed. South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, issued a public statement addressing the tragedy. “Essa é uma notícia terrível. Faremos tudo o que estiver ao nosso alcance para garantir que encontremos seus assassinos,” McKenzie declared, according to the available record.
Boxing Career and World Championships
Tete competed as a professional boxer for nearly 20 years, compiling a career record of 29 victories—including 22 by knockout—against just four defeats. During his tenure in the sport, the South African fighter captured the International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior bantamweight world title. He also claimed the World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight world championship. In November 2017, Tete secured what international boxing records recognize as the fastest knockout in a world title fight history, defeating compatriot Siboniso Gonya in just 11 seconds. His final professional bout took place in July 2022 in London, where he defeated England’s Jason Cunningham, though that victory was later overturned after Tete tested positive in a doping control screening.
Did you know? Zolani Tete set a world boxing record in November 2017 by knocking out fellow South African Siboniso Gonya in just 11 seconds during a world title bout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Zolani Tete?
Zolani Tete was a 38-year-old professional boxer from South Africa who held world titles in the junior bantamweight and bantamweight divisions.
What happened to Zolani Tete?
According to international reports, Tete was shot and killed by two masked men outside his home in Mdantsane, South Africa, while waiting in a car for his gate to open.
Did anyone else get hurt in the attack?
Yes, a woman who was with the boxer during the shooting was also injured and remains hospitalized, according to local authorities.