Zolani Tete, a 38-year-old two-time world boxing champion, was fatally shot outside his residence in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape on Friday. According to officials, Tete was seated in his vehicle awaiting the opening of his home’s gate when two armed individuals wearing balaclavas emerged from another vehicle and discharged multiple rounds in his direction. A 27-year-old female passenger traveling with him was also shot and received treatment at a hospital. The two suspects escaped the scene following the incident.
South Africa’s minister of sport, arts and culture, Gayton McKenzie, issued a statement acknowledging the loss, describing Tete as among the nation’s most accomplished fighters. Authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Tete achieved significant recognition throughout his boxing career, holding the WBO bantamweight title from 2017 to 2019 and the IBF super-flyweight title in 2014. He competed in the United Kingdom on eight occasions, including a notable 2015 victory over Liverpool’s Paul Butler. Tete holds a Guinness World Record for the fastest knockout in a title fight, defeating Siboniso Gonya in 11 seconds in 2017.
His final professional bout occurred in July 2022 against British opponent Jason Cunningham in London, which he won by knockout, though the result was subsequently ruled a no-contest following a failed drugs test. Tete tested positive for the anabolic steroid stanozolol and received a four-year ban from the UK Anti-Doping Agency. That suspension ended on 29 July, 2026. Following his death, manager Mla Tengimfene confirmed Tete had been preparing for a comeback fight. His professional record consisted of 29 wins across 34 total fights, along with four losses and one no-contest result.
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