Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has expressed his condolences to the family of former world boxing champion Zolani ‘Last Born’ Tete. Zolani Tete was shot and killed outside his home in Mdantsane on Friday at the age of 38.
A 27-year-old woman who was travelling with him was also shot several times and remains in hospital.
The former champion was reportedly attacked at his front gate while waiting for it to open. Tete’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief from the boxing fraternity and those who knew him in Mdantsane. McKenzie said his department would support the boxer’s family in the days ahead.
“I want to speak first to his family and to the people of Mdantsane. There are no words I can offer tonight that will be equal to what you have lost,” McKenzie said in a statement.
Zolani Tete Shooting: McKenzie Calls For Information
According to reports, Zolani Tete was confronted by two armed men wearing balaclavas after they allegedly got out of a vehicle in Mdantsane. The attackers reportedly opened fire before fleeing the scene.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, while the suspects remain at large.
“He was sitting at his own gate, waiting for it to open, and that is where they came for him. 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.”
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McKenzie has urged anyone who may have information about the killing to approach the authorities. The Zolani Tete murder investigation is now in the hands of the South African Police Service. The minister said information from members of the community could assist investigators.
“I appeal to anyone who saw anything, who knows anything, who heard anything, to come forward. Somebody in that community knows who did this.
“Boxing South Africa and my Department will consult the family on how the sport should honour him.”
Zolani Tete Boxing Legacy Remembered After His Death
Tete leaves behind a career that saw him become a two-division world champion. In 2014, he travelled to Kobe in Japan and defeated his opponent to claim the IBF junior-bantamweight title.
He later captured the WBO bantamweight championship and defended it against leading fighters from his generation.
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His career included major fights in places such as Belfast and Yekaterinburg. Zolani Tete also produced one of boxing’s most remarkable moments in November 2017 when he stopped a world title fight in just 11 seconds. That performance remains a record and is part of the legacy he leaves behind.
“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,” the minister added.
