Four arrested over boxing champion’s murder in South Africa

Four individuals have been apprehended in connection with the murder of South African boxing champion Zolani Tete, who was shot dead outside his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape. Tete, 38, was ambushed and killed alongside a 27-year-old female passenger, who is currently hospitalized. One of the suspects, a 22-year-old man arrested on Saturday, is set to appear in court on Monday, facing charges of murder and attempted murder.

The other suspects, arrested on Sunday, will make their initial court appearances on Tuesday. Two of them have been charged with unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, but it remains unclear if they will face additional charges for Tete's murder and attempted murder.

Tete, who held the WBO bantamweight title from 2017 to 2019 and the IBF super-flyweight title in 2014, was in his car waiting for the gate to his house to open when he was targeted by two armed suspects wearing balaclavas. The shooting occurred outside his residence, and the exact circumstances surrounding the ambush are still under investigation.

South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie paid tribute to Tete, describing him as one of the finest fighters South Africa has ever produced. Former Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula also mourned the loss of a great South African boxer who made significant contributions to the sport.