Kathmandu— Former world boxing champion Zolani Tete was fatally shot outside his home in Mdantsane, South Africa on Friday evening, and police have arrested two men aged 30 and 22 in connection with the murder. The shooting also left a 27-year-old woman wounded; she is currently hospitalized. A swift investigation led to the arrests Saturday in Ku Gompo, and authorities indicate further arrests are expected as they continue to investigate the motive behind the attack.

The Shooting

Zolani Tete, 38, was killed at approximately 6:30pm on Friday while sitting in his car waiting for a gate to open. Two armed men wearing balaclavas reportedly approached in another vehicle and opened fire on both Tete and the woman traveling with him. Tete attempted to drive away but succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Ongoing Investigation

Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana stated that investigators are following up on several leads, but declined to disclose further details regarding the motive or circumstances surrounding the arrests due to the sensitive nature of the investigation. The two suspects currently in custody are being questioned in connection with Tete’s murder and the attempted murder of the woman who was wounded in the attack.

Tete's Boxing Career

Tete was a highly accomplished boxer, having won world titles in two weight divisions and holding a Guinness World Record for the fastest knockout in a world title fight – stopping Siboniso Gonya in just 11 seconds on November 18, 2017. He secured the International Boxing Federation junior bantamweight title in July 2014 and later held the World Boxing Organisation bantamweight title until 2019. Throughout his 34 professional fights, he achieved 29 wins, with 22 by knockout.

Recent Suspension

Tete had not fought since July 2022 when a positive test for the banned steroid stanozolol overturned his victory over Jason Cunningham and resulted in a four-year ban, which concluded on July 29 of this year. Tete consistently maintained that he had never knowingly taken the substance, and expressed plans to return to boxing in an interview with The Ring magazine earlier this year.

Police have confirmed Tete’s identity after notifying his next of kin and continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.