Zolani Tete Murder: ‘It’s Unbelievable’ Says Father as Boxing World Mourns Former Champion

• Two-time world boxing champion Zolani Tete was shot dead outside his Mdantsane home on Friday night
• Tete's father said his son was known for boxing and music and had done nothing to put his life in danger
• His manager Mlandeli Tengimfene confirmed funeral and memorial plans as tributes poured in from the boxing world

The family of two-time world boxing champion Zolani Tete has described their grief as overwhelming following his fatal shooting outside his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, on Friday night, 22 August 2026.

Tete was killed while waiting in his vehicle to enter his yard. A 27-year-old woman, believed to be his girlfriend, sustained gunshot wounds during the attack and was taken to hospital for treatment.

Father speaks out in shock

Zolile Tete, the boxer's father, said he remained in shock and could not comprehend what had happened to his son. He described Zolani as someone known for both his boxing career and his love of music, and insisted that nothing about his son's way of life suggested he was at risk.

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Watch Zolile Tete speak about his son's death below.

Boxing community in mourning

Tete's manager and promoter, Mlandeli Tengimfene, said the attack came at the end of what was a completely ordinary day. Tete had followed his usual routine of training at the boxing gym before heading to choir practice, only to be gunned down upon returning home.

Tengimfene confirmed that a memorial service is planned for Wednesday, with the funeral to be held the following Saturday at KuGompo City Hall.

Speaking about the loss, Tengimfene said:

"Devastating news, tragic news to us, particularly myself and the boxing community. People around there, everybody was crying when it was confirmed that Zolani is no more. Family, we met as the family. It's unbelievable. We never thought of it. We've been with Zolani from birth; for us to get to this kind of news, something that was unexpected, it's devastating."

Meanwhile, the South African Police Service confirmed that two persons of interest have been arrested as investigators intensify their probe into Tete's fatal shooting.

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Gayton McKenzie appeals for information after Zolani Tete murder

Briefly News also reported that Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie had appealed to the public for information following the murder of former world champion Zolani Tete.

The minister urged anyone who may have witnessed the incident or knows anything about the attack to assist investigators. e

Source: Briefly News