Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has expressed shock and sadness following the fatal shooting of former two-division world boxing champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape.
Tete, 38, was reportedly shot at his home on Friday evening while sitting in his vehicle at his gate waiting for it to open.
A 27-year-old woman who was in the vehicle with him was also shot multiple times and remains in hospital receiving medical treatment.
McKenzie has appealed for privacy for Tete’s family and urged anyone with information about the shooting to assist the South African Police Service (SAPS) investigation.
“I will not speculate about who did this or why. That investigation belongs to the South African Police Service, and the detectives working it tonight need support,” McKenzie said.
The minister said two armed men wearing balaclavas allegedly emerged from another vehicle and attacked Tete at his gate.
“Somebody in that community knows who did this,” McKenzie said, urging witnesses and anyone with information to come forward.
Tete’s Remarkable Boxing Career
Tete was a two-division world champion who enjoyed a distinguished career in professional boxing.
In 2014, he travelled to Kobe, Japan, where he defeated his opponent to capture the IBF junior-bantamweight world title.
He later won the WBO bantamweight title, defending it against several leading fighters of his generation.
Tete cemented his place in boxing history in November 2017 when he knocked out fellow world title challenger Siboniso Gonya in just 11 seconds.
The knockout remains the fastest stoppage in a world title fight.
McKenzie said Tete had been preparing for a return to the ring and believed he still had more to contribute to South African boxing.
“He believed he still had something to give this country. He was right, but he will not get the chance now. He, and all of us, have been robbed,” McKenzie said.
Mdantsane Mourns Boxing Champion
The minister also paid tribute to Mdantsane, a township renowned for producing world-class boxers, including Welcome Ncita and Vuyani Bungu, who trained Tete.
“Tonight that township is burying one of its own, and the whole country stands with it,” McKenzie said.
McKenzie urged members of the public and media organisations not to circulate graphic images or unverified information surrounding the shooting.
Boxing South Africa and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture are expected to consult with Tete’s family about how the sport can honour his life and legacy.
“Lala ngoxolo, Last Born. You carried this flag into rooms it had no business being in, and you did it once in just eleven seconds. Your legacy will endure, though, without a timer,” McKenzie said.
