South African police have arrested four suspects in connection with the killing of former world boxing champion Zolani Tete, who was shot dead outside his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, last week. Police said Tete was sitting in his car and waiting for the gate of his residence to open when two armed men wearing balaclavas approached and opened fire. A woman who was inside the vehicle was also shot and seriously injured. She was taken to hospital, where she remains under medical care.
Authorities said one of the suspects was arrested two days after the shooting and was due to appear in court on Monday. The other three suspects are expected to appear before a court at a later date as the investigation continues. Police have not disclosed a possible motive for the killing or said whether the suspects knew Tete. Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the ambush and the relationship, if any, between the suspects and the victims.
Tete was one of South Africa’s most successful boxers. He won the World Boxing Federation flyweight title in 2007 and later captured the World Boxing Organization bantamweight title, holding the belt during his reigns in 2017 and 2019. The former champion was widely respected for his achievements in the ring and his contribution to South African boxing. His killing has renewed concerns about violent crime in the Eastern Cape, while the arrests have raised hopes that those responsible will be brought before the courts. The investigation remains ongoing.
