South African Former World Champion Zolani Tete Gunned Down
Former world boxing champion Zolani Tete has been shot dead in South Africa at the age of 38.
Tete was attacked in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, as he arrived at his home on Thursday night.
Police said the boxer was waiting for his residential gate to open when two armed men approached his vehicle.
The suspects were reportedly wearing balaclavas when they opened fire.
Tete sustained fatal gunshot wounds and died at the scene.
South Africa’s Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie confirmed the former champion’s death on Friday.
Female Passenger Seriously Injured
According to Sky Sports, a 27-year-old woman who was travelling with Tete was also caught in the attack.
She was shot several times and was rushed to hospital for treatment.
Police have since launched a manhunt for the two suspects.
The motive for the shooting has not yet been established, while investigators are expected to gather evidence from the scene and trace the attackers.
Tete’s Championship Legacy
Tete leaves behind a significant record in professional boxing.
The Eastern Cape-born fighter captured the WBO bantamweight world title in 2017 and held the belt until 2019.
He also held secondary championship belts with the IBF and WBF during his career.
Tete compiled a professional record of 29 victories, four defeats and 22 knockouts from 34 fights.
His career included a number of notable victories as he established himself among the leading fighters in his division.
Four-Year Ban Had Just Ended
Tete’s final professional appearance came in 2022 against Jason Cunningham in London.
Although he won the bout, the result was later changed to a no contest after Tete returned a positive test for a banned substance.
He subsequently received a four-year suspension.
The ban expired last month, according to reports.
Tete was reportedly preparing to return to competitive boxing before his life was cut short.
Police Hunt Gunmen
Eastern Cape police are now searching for the two men responsible for the fatal attack.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation.
The fact that Tete was attacked outside his own residence has added to the shock surrounding his death.
News of the former champion’s killing has sent shockwaves through the boxing community, with the sport mourning a fighter whose career had taken him to the highest level of professional boxing.