Former world champion boxer Zolani Tete has been shot dead outside his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Tete, 38, was killed on Friday while arriving at his residence and waiting for the gate to open, according to police.
South Africa’s Sports, Arts and Culture Minister, Gayton McKenzie, said Tete was killed in his car.
A 27-year-old woman who was also in the vehicle was reportedly shot several times and is receiving treatment in hospital.
Police said two armed men wearing balaclavas ambushed the boxer.
Tete held the WBF flyweight world title from 2007 to 2008 and later became WBO bantamweight champion in 2017 and 2019.
He made history in 2017 when he knocked out Siboniso Gonya with his first punch just 11 seconds into their world title fight, recording one of the fastest knockouts in a world championship bout.
Tete ended his professional career with 29 wins, including 22 knockouts, four defeats and one no contest.
His final fight came in July 2022, when he defeated Britain’s Jason Cunningham at Wembley Arena in London.
However, the result was later overturned after Tete tested positive for stanozolol, resulting in a four-year suspension. He consistently denied knowingly taking the banned substance.
The suspension expired in July, and Tete had reportedly been preparing for a return to professional boxing before his death.
Police investigations into the shooting are ongoing.
