Former Boxing Champion Zolani Tete Shot Dead in South Africa

Zolani Tete, a former two-time world boxing champion, was shot dead outside his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, South Africa, on Friday, August 21. The 38-year-old was sitting in his car waiting for the gate to open when two armed men wearing balaclavas approached and fired multiple shots.

A 27-year-old woman who was with him in the car was also injured and taken to the hospital. South Africa's Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, confirmed Tete's killing and stated that a major investigation has been launched, although the motive remains unclear.

Tete held the WBO bantamweight title from 2017 to 2019 and the IBF super-flyweight title in 2014. He is known for achieving a Guinness World Record for the fastest knockout in a world title fight, knocking out Siboniso Gonya in just 11 seconds in November 2017.

His last fight was in July 2022, which ended in a no-contest due to a doping violation. His manager, Mla Tengimfene, confirmed that Tete was training for a comeback fight at the time of his death.