In brief
South Africa mourns the loss of two‑time world boxing champion Zolani Tete, who was gunned down outside his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, on Friday. Four men have been arrested, with one face murder and attempted‑murder charges, while three faced gun‑possession indictments. Tete, a former WBO bantamweight and IBF super‑flyweight titleholder, had previously faced a four‑year ban over a doping violation and was preparing for a comeback fight after his ban expired. The case has sparked widespread tributes from sports officials, emphasizing his impact on South African boxing, and raises pressing questions about security for high‑profile athletes.
Four arrested over boxing champion's murder in South Africa
Four people have been arrested in South Africa in connection with the murder of boxing champion Zolani Tete, who was shot dead outside his home on Friday.
Tete, 38, was gunned down in what authorities described as an ambush in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape. A young woman who was with him was also shot and is currently in hospital.
A 22‑year‑old suspect was detained on Saturday, will appear in court on Monday, and faces murder and attempted‑murder charges. Three remaining suspects arrested on Sunday are due in court on Tuesday; two are charged with unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. It is uncertain whether they carry murder or attempted‑murder charges as well.
Officials said Tete was in his car waiting for the gate to his house to open when two armed men in balaclavas emerged from a vehicle and fired “multiple shots” at him and a 27‑year‑old female passenger.
South Africa’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie mourned Tete, saying the nation had lost “one of the finest fighters it has ever produced.” Former Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula also paid tribute, calling him “a great South African who has made an immense contribution to boxing.”
Tete had held the WBO bantamweight title from 2017 to 2019 and the IBF super‑flyweight title in 2014. He was banned for four years after a doping violation, which ended in July of this year. After his ban, he was training for a comeback fight and was scheduled to fight again.
He beat Liverpool’s Paul Butler in 2015 in one of the eight times he fought in the United Kingdom. He also holds a Guinness World Record for the fastest knockout in a title fight, ending a match against Siboniso Gonya in 11 seconds in 2017.
Tete last fought in July 2022, knocking out Briton Jason Cunningham in London, only for that bout to be later ruled a no‑contest after a failed drugs test. He tested positive for the anabolic steroid stanozolol and was banned by the UK Anti‑Doping Agency.
After his death, his manager Mla Tengimfene confirmed he had been training for a comeback fight after his ban ended. Tete had 29 wins in 34 fights, four losses and one no‑contest.
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