Two-time world boxing champion Tete shot dead outside home

Zolani Tete, a two-time world boxing champion from South Africa, was tragically shot dead outside his home on Friday. The 38-year-old fighter was killed in what authorities describe as an ambush, while waiting for his gate to open in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape. Tete was in his car with a 27-year-old female passenger when two armed suspects in balaclavas opened fire, hitting them both. The female passenger remains hospitalized.

South Africa's Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, mourned the loss of "one of the finest fighters" the country has ever produced. McKenzie confirmed that the two suspects fled the scene and that a major investigation has been launched.

Tete held the WBO bantamweight title from 2017 to 2019 and the IBF super-flyweight title in 2014. He also holds a Guinness World Record for the fastest knockout in a title fight, ending his bout with Siboniso Gonya inside 11 seconds in 2017. Tete's last fight was in July 2022, which was later ruled a no-contest after he tested positive for anabolic steroid stanozolol, resulting in a four-year ban. His ban ended on July 29, 2026, and he had been training for a comeback fight at the time of his death.

Tete had a record of 29 wins in 34 fights, with four losses and one no-contest. The boxing community has expressed its shock and grief over his passing. Japanese fighter Naoya Inoue called Tete a "wonderful boxer" and wished for world peace. His former opponent, John Riel Casimero, described Tete as a "true warrior and champion."

Tete's manager confirmed that he had been preparing for a return to the ring when he was shot dead. The WBO also mourned the loss of its former champion and extended its condolences to Tete's family, friends, and the South African boxing community.