Two-time world boxing champion Zolani Tete was fatally shot outside his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, South Africa, on Friday. He was 38 years old.
Tete was reportedly waiting in his car for his gate to open when two individuals wearing balaclavas emerged from another vehicle and opened fire. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene. A 27-year-old female passenger in the car was also shot and remains hospitalized.
The South African minister of sport, arts and culture, Gayton McKenzie, confirmed the incident, stating, "South Africa has lost one of the finest fighters it has ever produced." The suspects fled the scene, and a comprehensive investigation has been initiated.
Tete held the WBO bantamweight title from 2017 to 2019 and previously won the IBF super-flyweight title in 2014. He is also recognized by Guinness World Records for the fastest knockout in a title fight, achieving victory in just 11 seconds against Siboniso Gonya in 2017.
His last professional fight was in July 2022, where he defeated Jason Cunningham by knockout. However, the result was later overturned to a no-contest after Tete tested positive for the anabolic steroid stanozolol, leading to a four-year ban by the UK Anti-Doping Agency. His ban was set to conclude on July 29, 2026. Tete's manager, Mla Tengimfene, confirmed that the boxer had been training for a comeback fight prior to his death.
Throughout his career, Tete participated in 34 fights, securing 29 wins, four losses, and one no-contest.