Zolani Tete, a two-time world boxing champion, was shot dead in front of his house in Mdantsane, South Africa, on Friday night. The 38-year-old former junior bantamweight IBF champion and WBO bantamweight champion was ambushed by two unknown armed suspects wearing balaclavas as he arrived home, according to Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana.
Ambush outside Mdantsane home
The shooting occurred at around 6:30pm. Tete arrived at his home and was waiting for the gate to open when he and a 27-year-old female passenger were targeted by the suspects. 'In an attempt to escape the hail of bullets, the deceased drove his vehicle into the yard,' Gantana said. 'He unfortunately succumbed to his injuries and was declared deceased on the scene.'
The female passenger sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. 'She remains hospitalised,' Gantana confirmed. 'At this stage, no arrests have been made. The suspects fled the scene and are yet to be apprehended.'
Boxing record and comeback plans
Tete held the IBF junior bantamweight title and the WBO bantamweight title during his career. He also holds the record for the fastest knockout in a title fight in boxing, defeating Siboniso Gonya in 11 seconds of the first round in their 2017 bout.
The 38-year-old, who last fought in 2022, was preparing to make a return to the ring after serving a four-year doping ban. In July, Tete told The Herald about his frustration during the ban: 'The last four years have been nothing but hell for me and my family. To be denied to do what I love on frivolous circumstances when I know I am innocent is heart-breaking. But as I said, UKAD never brought me to boxing, and they will not take me out of it.'
Investigation ongoing
Police have not yet made any arrests, and the suspects remain at large. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities appealing for any information that could lead to the apprehension of the two armed men. The boxing community has reacted with shock to the death of a fighter known for his remarkable speed and skill in the ring.
