Guinness record holder: Former world boxing champion Zolani Tete shot dead
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- Former two-division world champion Zolani Tete was allegedly shot dead by two masked gunmen outside his home in South Africa
- Tete had only recently completed a four-year doping ban and was preparing for a comeback bout scheduled for late November
- A 27-year-old woman travelling with the boxing champion was also shot and rushed to hospital in a critical condition
South African boxing has been plunged into mourning after former two-division world champion Zolani Tete was allegedly shot and killed outside his home in the Eastern Cape on the evening of Friday, August 21.
He was 38 years old.
Who was Zolani Tete?
Tete built one of the most remarkable careers in South African boxing history. He claimed the IBF junior-bantamweight title in 2014 and the WBO bantamweight crown in 2017, cementing his status as a two-division world champion.
He also holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest knockout in a world title fight.
His journey was not without setbacks. A four-year doping ban had kept him out of the sport, ending only last month.
Despite that difficult chapter, Tete had thrown himself back into training with visible determination, with a return fight pencilled in for late November.
What happened to Zolani Tete?
SABC reports that Tete had reportedly just returned from a training session when the attack unfolded.
He was sitting in his car outside his property waiting for the gate to open when two masked men allegedly jumped out of a nearby vehicle and opened fire.
He reportedly floored the accelerator in a desperate bid to drive into the yard and escape, but succumbed to his injuries and was declared dead at the scene.
A 27-year-old woman who had been travelling with him was also struck by multiple bullets and transported to hospital in a critical condition.
Police confirmed that officers have opened investigations into murder and attempted murder. The alleged gunmen fled after the attack and had not been apprehended at the time of publication. No motive has been established.
News of his killing sent shockwaves through South African sport.
His manager, Mlandeli Tengimfene, joined voices across the boxing fraternity in describing the loss as a devastating blow.
Colleagues and fans remembered not only the titles and the records, but the character of a man who had repeatedly fought his way back from adversity both inside and outside the ring.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.