South African Boxing Legend Zolani Tete Dies in Ambush After Two Decades of Champions Title

South African boxing legend Zolani Tete was killed on Friday at his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, after being shot by suspects lying in his vehicle. Tete, 38, was a two-time world champion who held the WBO bantamweight title from 2017-2019 as well as the IBF super-flyweight crown in 2014. The two alleged killers who had ambushed him and a passenger were captured and will be brought to court this Monday along with two others to face murder and attempted murder charges.

Tete’s death came after a brief stint aside from his prizefighting career after having tested positive for anabolic steroid stanozolol

Tete previously held the WBO bantamweight title from 2017 to 2019, as well as the IBF super-flyweight title in 2014. Two years prior to his death, however, Tete tested positive for anabolic steroids at his recent fight in the UK, consequently being given a four-year ban which expired in July of the current year.

Officials stated that when two suspects in balaclavas opened fire from weapons taken outside in the backseat, Tete was sitting in his car waiting for his gate to his house. The suspects fired “multiple shots” and seriously injured the 27-year-old woman who was in the passenger seat. Tete passed away in the assault, and members of the local SOuth African boxing, sports, and political communities all voiced their condolences.

Former sports minister Fikile Mbalula commented, “South Africa has lost a great sporting icon who made a valuable

Tete last fought in July 2022, beating Briton Jason Cunningham by knockout in London, but was later ruled a no-contest after failing a drugs test. He had 29 wins in 34 fights, with four losses and one no-contest.”

Tributes poured in from across the sports world following his tragic death. South Africa’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie said, “South Africa has lost one of the finest fighters it has ever produced.”

Tete won eight bouts in the United Kingdom, including a victory over Liverpool’s Paul Butler in 2015. He holds a Guinness World Record for the fastest knockout in a title fight, ending his match with Siboniso Gonya inside 11 seconds in 2017.

Manager Mla Tengimfene confirmed that Tete was training for a comeback fight before

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