**Title: Former World Champion Boxer Zolani Tete Shot and Killed in South Africa**
Former world champion boxer Zolani Tete was tragically shot and killed at his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, South Africa, as confirmed by government officials. The incident occurred late on Friday, August 22, 2026, when Tete, 38, was ambushed by two armed suspects while waiting for the gate to his residence to open. A 27-year-old woman who was with him in the vehicle sustained multiple gunshot wounds and is currently hospitalized.
Gayton McKenzie, South Africa's Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, expressed his condolences and shock over the incident, highlighting the impact of gun violence in the country. The police are actively investigating the shooting, seeking to apprehend the assailants.
Zolani Tete was a prominent figure in the boxing world, known for his achievements in various weight classes. He held the World Boxing Federation (WBF) flyweight title from 2007 to 2008 and claimed the World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight title in 2017 and again in 2019. Tete's career reached a significant milestone in 2014 when he won the International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior-bantamweight world title in Japan, defeating Teiru Kinoshita by points.
One of Tete's most notable achievements was his record-setting 11-second knockout of Siboniso Gonya during their 2017 world title fight, marking the fastest knockout in a world-title bout. Over his professional career, Tete amassed a record of 29 wins, including 22 by knockout, alongside four losses and one no contest.
His last fight took place in July 2022 at Wembley Arena in London, where he secured a victory against Britain's Jason Cunningham. However, the result was later overturned due to a positive test for the banned substance stanozolol, leading to a four-year suspension. Tete consistently denied knowingly taking the substance, and his suspension expired in July 2026. He had been preparing for a comeback in the sport.
The boxing community has expressed deep sorrow over Tete's untimely death, remembering him not only for his talents in the ring but also for his contributions to the sport. As investigations continue, the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by many in South Africa regarding safety and violence.