Zolani Tete Shot Dead: Gayton McKenzie Appeals for Help After Tragic Killing
South African boxing has been plunged into mourning after former two division world champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete was shot dead outside his home in Mdantsane, with Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie appealing to the community to help bring his killers to justice.
Tete, 38, was killed in NU17 on Friday evening after returning to his home.
According to police, two armed men wearing balaclavas got out of a vehicle and opened fire on Tete.
A 27 year old woman who was in the car with the boxer was also shot.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed that investigators are probing a case of murder and attempted murder.
The killing has sent shockwaves through South African boxing, with McKenzie describing Tete as one of the country’s greatest world champions.
Gayton McKenzie Appeals for Help After Zolani Tete Killing
McKenzie expressed his condolences to Tete’s family, friends and the people of Mdantsane, while urging anyone who may have information about the shooting to come forward.
His appeal came as the suspects remained at large.
“Two armed men in balaclavas got out of a car in Mdantsane and killed one of our greatest world champions at his own front gate, and they are still out there tonight,” McKenzie said.
The minister said someone in the community could hold information that may help investigators identify the attackers.
“I appeal to anyone who saw anything, who knows anything, who heard anything, to come forward. Somebody in that community knows who did this.”
His comments placed the spotlight on the investigation and the need for witnesses to assist police as they work to establish what led to the fatal shooting.
Zolani Tete’s Remarkable Boxing Legacy
Tete leaves behind a distinguished career that saw him reach the highest level of professional boxing.
The Mdantsane born fighter became a two division world champion, first winning the IBF junior bantamweight title in 2014 before later capturing the WBO bantamweight championship.
He also etched his name into boxing history in 2017 when he stopped his opponent in just 11 seconds during a world title fight.
The devastatingly quick victory became one of the fastest knockouts in a world title fight and cemented Tete’s reputation on the international boxing stage.
Tete Was Preparing for a Comeback
Tete had recently returned from a four year ban and was preparing to make his return to professional boxing.
According to McKenzie, the former champion remained determined to contribute to South African boxing and believed he still had more to offer.
“He was training for a return to the ring. He believed he still had something to give this country,” McKenzie said.
“He was right, but he will not get the chance now. He, and all of us, have been robbed.”
Those words captured the sense of loss surrounding Tete’s death. A boxer who had already conquered the world was preparing for another chapter in his career, only for his life to be cut short outside his own home.
Police Investigate Mdantsane Shooting
Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The motive for the attack has not been established, and the suspects had not been arrested at the time of the statement.
As investigators work to piece together what happened, McKenzie’s appeal has placed renewed emphasis on the role of the community in helping police identify those responsible.
For South African boxing, however, the investigation comes against the backdrop of a profound loss.
Zolani “Last Born” Tete was preparing to return to the ring. Instead, the former world champion’s comeback has ended in tragedy, leaving behind a career marked by world titles, historic victories and an unfinished final chapter.
