Former two-weight world champion Zolani Tete shot dead in Mdantsane
The 38-year-old South African was killed outside his home; police are searching for the attackers.
Former two-weight world champion Zolani Tete has been shot dead outside his home in Mdantsane, South Africa. He was 38 years old.
Tete finished his professional career with 29 wins, of which 22 were by knockout, and earned a place in boxing history with an 11-second knockout in a world-title fight in 2017. A planned comeback never took place after his sudden death.
According to initial police information, Tete arrived at his home at about 18:30 and waited in his car for the gate to open. Two armed, masked attackers got out of another vehicle and began shooting.
Police response and victims
A 27-year-old woman who was with him was taken to hospital. Tete attempted to escape by driving his car into the yard but sustained fatal injuries. The attackers fled and police are searching for them.
The boxing community has reacted with shock to the news of Tete’s death; colleagues and fans remember both his titles and the record-setting knockout. Investigators have opened a criminal inquiry as they seek to establish motive and identify those responsible.
Photo: press material from the event
