Former world champion Zolani Tete shot dead in South Africa

MDANTSANE, South Africa: South African boxing has been left mourning the death of former two-weight world champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete, who was shot dead outside his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, in a killing that has sent shockwaves through the country’s sporting community.

Police said Tete was ambushed as he arrived at his residence on Friday. The 38-year-old boxer was reportedly sitting in his vehicle and waiting for the gate to open when two armed men wearing balaclavas emerged and opened fire. A 27-year-old woman who was travelling with him was also shot and seriously injured. She remains in hospital, according to reports.

South African authorities have since arrested four people in connection with the killing, according to the latest police information. Investigators are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack, while the motive remains unclear. One suspect was due to appear in court, with further court appearances expected for the other suspects.

Tete’s death marks a devastating loss for a fighter who rose from Mdantsane to become one of South Africa’s most respected boxing champions. He captured the IBF junior-bantamweight world title in 2014 and held the belt until 2015. He later claimed the WBO bantamweight championship in 2017, retaining the title until 2019.

His career was also defined by one of boxing’s most remarkable records. In 2017, Tete stopped fellow South African Siboniso Gonya in just 11 seconds, producing the fastest knockout in a world title fight. The extraordinary finish cemented his reputation as one of the sport’s most dangerous punchers.

Tete had been preparing for a return to professional boxing after serving a doping suspension, making his sudden death even more poignant for supporters who had hoped to see the former champion back in the ring.

South Africa’s Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie described Tete as one of the finest fighters the country had produced, while tributes poured in from the boxing fraternity.

For Mdantsane, a township known for producing elite boxers, Tete’s death is more than the loss of a former world champion. It is the loss of a hometown sporting icon whose journey from local gyms to the world stage inspired a generation.

As police continue their investigation, Tete’s legacy remains firmly etched in South African boxing history — a champion remembered not only for his titles, but also for the extraordinary speed and power that made him a global name.