Boxing Legend Zolani Tete Ambushed and Killed in SA

Former world champion boxer Zolani Tete was shot and killed in an ambush outside his residence in Mdantsane, South Africa, on Friday. South African Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie confirmed the death of the 38-year-old athlete, noting that a 27-year-old woman accompanying him in the vehicle sustained multiple gunshot wounds and remains hospitalized.

Local police reported that two armed suspects wearing balaclavas intercepted Tete as he waited for his gate to open. The incident marks the end of a career defined by significant achievements in the ring, including holding the WBO bantamweight title in 2017 and 2019. Tete, a southpaw, gained international recognition for recording the fastest knockout in world-title history, defeating Siboniso Gonya in 11 seconds in 2017.

Tete concluded his professional career with a record of 29 victories, 22 of which were knockouts, against four defeats. His final professional appearance occurred in July 2022, followed by a four-year suspension for a positive drug test, which he consistently contested. Tete had recently become eligible to return to professional competition and was reportedly preparing for a comeback at the time of his death.