MDANTSANE – Tributes are pouring in as the boxing fraternity mourns the death of two-time world boxing champion Zolani ‘Last Born’ Tete.
Tete, 38, was gunned down outside his Mdantsane home on Friday night.
It has been reported that he and his 27-year-old female passenger were in a car, waiting for the gate of his home to open, when they were ambushed by masked, unknown suspects.
Tete was declared dead at the scene and the woman was rushed to hospital.
Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Princess Faku has expressed her deepest condolences to the family, friends, boxing fraternity and the people of Buffalo City.
“Buffalo City has lost not only a champion in the boxing ring, but one of our own sons who carried the name of our city with pride onto the international stage.
“Zolani Tete was a symbol of determination, discipline, resilience and excellence.
“We are deeply saddened that a life that gave so much inspiration to our communities has been cut short in such a tragic manner. There are no words adequate to express our pain,” she said.
In a statement, Boxing SA expressed sadness and said their thoughts and prayers were with the Tete family, his manager, Mlandeli Tengimfene, the All-Winners Boxing Club, and Last-Born Boxing Promotions during this difficult time.
“Zolani Tete was more than a champion. He was an icon of South African boxing. A product of the famed All Winners Mdantsane boxing stable.
“He etched his name in history as one of the country's few two-weight world champions.
“His legacy includes holding the record for the fastest world title defence in boxing history, needing just 11 seconds to stop Siboniso Gonya in 2017.
“We kindly request that the family's privacy be respected during this period of mourning,” the statement reads in part.
Boxing South Africa said further details regarding official tributes and memorial arrangements would be shared following engagement with the Tete family.