Africa-Press – South-Africa. World boxing champion Zolani Tete was shot dead outside his home in South Africa amid rising violence in the country, which has one of the highest murder rates in the world.
Tete, 38, was on his way home in a town in the Eastern Cape province when two masked men emerged from a vehicle and opened fire on him.
The boxer was pronounced dead at the scene, while a 27-year-old woman who was with him was shot multiple times and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Police stated that the motives for the crime remain unclear, confirming that investigations have begun and urging citizens to provide any information that could help identify those involved.
The murder of the boxer has brought the widespread issue of violent crime in South Africa back into focus. Although murder rates in the country have recently declined, it still ranks among the nations with the highest murder rates globally.
According to government data, South Africa experienced an average of 58 murders per day during the first four months of 2026.
Tete’s death has sparked a wave of grief and condolences, as he had fought in 34 bouts during his career and was a two-time world champion, winning titles in 2014 and 2017. Tete also entered the Guinness World Records for the fastest knockout in a world title fight.
Gaeton McKenzie, South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, stated that the country “has lost one of the greatest fighters it has ever produced,” adding that there are no words to comfort the boxer’s family in light of the loss.
McKenzie revealed that Tete was training in preparation for a return to the boxing ring, noting that the boxer believed “he still had something to offer his country.”
The World Boxing Council published a tribute to Tete, extending its “sincere condolences” to his family and praising his athletic career and achievements during his years as a professional.
