Zolani Tete: Two-Time World Champion Shot Dead in South Africa

Two-time world boxing champion Zolani Tete has been shot dead outside his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

The 38-year-old former champion was reportedly ambushed on Friday while sitting inside his car and waiting for the gate of his residence to open.

According to officials, two armed men wearing balaclavas emerged from another vehicle and opened fire on Tete and a 27-year-old woman who was travelling with him.

The woman survived the attack and was taken to hospital, where she remains receiving treatment.

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, expressed grief over Tete’s death, describing him as one of the finest fighters the country had produced.

“South Africa has lost one of the finest fighters it has ever produced,” McKenzie said.

Tete established himself as one of South Africa’s most successful boxers during a professional career that spanned more than a decade.

He won the IBF super-flyweight world title in 2014 before moving up in weight and capturing the WBO bantamweight championship in 2017.

The South African held the WBO title until 2019 and became known internationally for his exceptional punching power and technical ability.

Tete also defeated Liverpool-born British boxer Paul Butler in 2015 during one of his eight professional appearances in the United Kingdom.

One of the most memorable moments of his career came in 2017 when he stopped fellow South African Siboniso Gonya after just 11 seconds.

The knockout earned Tete a Guinness World Record for the fastest knockout in a world title fight.

His career record reflected his success at the highest level, with 29 victories from 34 professional bouts, alongside four defeats and one no-contest.

Tete’s death has prompted tributes from sporting figures and officials in South Africa, with many mourning the loss of a boxer who achieved world championship success and represented the country on the international stage.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting are expected to remain under investigation as authorities work to establish the motive behind the attack and identify those responsible.