Former world champion boxer Zolani Tete was shot dead by two masked gunmen outside his residence in Mdantsane
A 27-year-old woman travelling with the 38-year-old boxer was shot multiple times during the ambush
Tete held multiple world titles, including the WBF flyweight, IBF super-flyweight and WBO bantamweight championships during his career.
Gunmen killed boxer Zolani Tete. The attackers shot the 38-year-old former world champion outside his Eastern Cape residence in Mdantsane on Friday, August 21, 2026, Times of India reported.
Tete sat in his vehicle waiting for his residential gate to open, South African police informed. Two armed men in balaclavas then walked up to the car and opened fire.
South Africa's Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie confirmed the tragedy. He called the loss a massive blow to local sports. "South Africa has lost one of the finest fighters it has ever produced," McKenzie said.
Investigation Into Ambush
Gunmen also shot a 27-year-old woman travelling with Tete several times, AP reported, as reported by Times of India. She is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.
The two masked suspects fled the scene immediately after the shooting, police stated. South African police are actively investigating the incident.
Legacy in the Ring
Tete secured multiple world titles. He claimed the WBF flyweight crown in 2007 and retained it until 2008 before capturing the IBF super-flyweight championship in 2014. He later held the WBO bantamweight belt from 2017 to 2019.
His career peaked in 2017. He stopped Siboniso Gonya in just 11 seconds during their championship bout. The feat earned him a Guinness World Record for the quickest knockout in a world championship match.
His final professional bout ended in controversy. During that July 2022 match, Tete knocked out Britain's Jason Cunningham in London before a positive drug test forced officials to declare it a no-contest. He retired with 29 victories, four defeats and one no-contest across 34 bouts.
