Zolani Tete Shot Dead: Former World Boxing Champion Zolani Tete Shot Dead in South Africa

Zolani Tete Shot Dead: Former South African boxing champion Zolani Tete was fatally shot by unidentified attackers in the Eastern Cape on Saturday, according to authorities. The 38 year old boxer was reportedly attacked near his home.

Tete had returned to his residence in his car and was waiting for the gate to open when two armed men approached and opened fire. The attackers fled from the scene after the shooting. A woman who was travelling in the same vehicle was seriously injured in the incident.

Police reached the location after receiving information about the shooting and have begun investigating the circumstances surrounding the killing. Authorities have not yet disclosed a possible motive or identified any suspects.

Tete built a successful career on the international boxing circuit and held several major titles. He won the WBF world title in 2007 and 2008 before becoming a WBO bantamweight world champion in 2017 and again in 2019.

One of the most memorable moments of his career came in 2017 when he defeated Siboniso Gonya in just 11 seconds. Tete dropped his opponent with his opening punch, producing one of the fastest knockouts recorded in a world title fight and earning a place in Guinness World Records.

The boxer finished his professional career with 29 victories, including 22 by knockout, along with four defeats and one no contest. His last fight came in July 2022 at Wembley Arena in London, where he defeated Jason Cunningham.

Tete had also served a four year suspension following a doping case. After completing the ban, he was preparing for a return to professional boxing when the fatal shooting brought his life and career to a tragic end.