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🇩🇰 Denmark /Crime & Justice

Former World Champion Boxer Zolani Tete Fatally Shot in South Africa

From Berlingske · () Danish

Translated from Danish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Former world champion boxer Zolani Tete was shot and killed outside his home in South Africa's Eastern Cape province.
  • Two armed assailants reportedly emerged from a vehicle and opened fire on Tete as he approached his residence.
  • The incident has drawn renewed attention to the high rates of violent crime in South Africa, with police investigating the motive.

Eastern Cape, South Africa – Former world champion boxer Zolani Tete was tragically shot and killed outside his home in the Eastern Cape province on Friday. The South African Police Service and the country's Minister of Sport confirmed the incident, which occurred as the 38-year-old fighter was returning to his residence in the Mdantsane township.

According to reports, two armed men wearing balaclavas exited a vehicle and fired upon Tete. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie stated, "I will not speculate on who did it or why," in an official statement. A 27-year-old woman who was with Tete was also shot multiple times and subsequently hospitalized.

The killing of Tete is expected to bring renewed focus to the pervasive issue of violent crime in South Africa, a nation that grapples with one of the world's highest murder rates, despite recent declines in overall homicide figures.

Tete is internationally remembered for his record-breaking 11-second knockout victory over compatriot Siboniso Gonya in Belfast in November 2017, a feat that marked the fastest knockout in a world championship fight. Police have launched an investigation into the shooting, but the motive remains unclear.

I will not speculate on who did it or why

— Gayton McKenzieSouth Africa's Minister of Sport commenting on the shooting of Zolani Tete.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Berlingske in Danish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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