Four arrested in the murder of South African boxing champion Zolani Tete.
Authorities in South Africa have detained four suspects linked to the shooting death of former world‑champion boxer Zolani Tete. The 38‑year‑old was ambushed outside his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, and a female passenger accompanying him was also shot and is in hospital.
One suspect, aged 22, is scheduled to appear in court on Monday with murder and attempted‑murder charges. The other three suspects, arrested on Sunday, face firearms offences, and will appear in court Tuesday; it is unclear whether they will also be charged with murder.
Tete, who held the WBO bantamweight title from 2017 to 2019 and the IBF super‑flyweight title in 2014, had recently completed a four‑year ban that lapsed in July. He reportedly was training for a comeback fight when the attack occurred.
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie and former Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula paid tribute, lamenting the loss of a national sporting icon.
Tete’s record stands at 29 wins from 34 fights, including a Guinness World Record for the fastest title‑fight knockout, ending a bout with Siboniso Gonya in 11 seconds in 2017.
After his death, team manager Mla Tengimfene confirmed that Tete had been preparing for a return to the ring following the conclusion of his ban. The boxing community mourns the loss of one of South Africa’s most celebrated athletes.
