South African police arrest four over murder of boxing champion Zolani Tete
South African police have arrested four suspects in connection with the murder of two-time world boxing champion Zolani Tete, who was shot dead in an ambush outside his home on Friday.
The 38-year-old was killed in his vehicle while waiting for the gate to his property to open in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape.
A 27-year-old female passenger was also injured in the attack and is currently receiving treatment in hospital.
Officials confirmed that two armed attackers wearing balaclavas emerged from another vehicle and fired multiple shots at the former bantamweight titleholder.
Court appearances scheduled
A 22-year-old man detained on Saturday will make his initial court appearance on Monday to face charges of murder and attempted murder.
The three remaining suspects were apprehended on Sunday and are due to appear before a judge on Tuesday.
Two of these individuals have been charged with the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
It remains unclear whether they will also face direct charges relating to the fatal shooting of the South African fighter.
Tributes paid to boxing great
The country’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie led the tributes to the fallen athlete following the tragic news.
“South Africa has lost one of the finest fighters it has ever produced.”
Former Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula also mourned the loss of a man who made an immense contribution to the sport.
The highly regarded southpaw amassed 29 victories across 34 professional bouts during a distinguished career.
He notably holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest knockout in a title fight, dispatching Siboniso Gonya in just 11 seconds in 2017.
Doping ban and comeback plans
The former IBF super-flyweight champion last entered the ring in July 2022 to face Briton Jason Cunningham in London.
That knockout victory was later overturned to a no-contest after he tested positive for the anabolic steroid stanozolol.
The UK Anti-Doping Agency consequently handed the veteran boxer a four-year suspension, which officially expired in July this year.
Manager Mla Tengimfene recently confirmed his client had been actively training in preparation for a highly anticipated comeback fight.