Four arrested over boxing champion's murder in South Africa

Zolani Tete was in training for a comeback fight when he was killed Four people have been arrested in South Africa in connection with the murder of boxing champion Zolani Tete, who was shot dead outside his home on Friday. Tete, 38, was gunned down in what has been described as an ambush in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape.

A young woman who was with him was also shot and is in medical facility. One of the men being held, a 22-year-old who was arrested on Saturday, will make an initial appearance in court on Monday, and faces murder and attempted murder charges.

Tete held the WBO bantamweight title from 2017 to 2019, as well as the IBF super-flyweight title in 2014. For related coverage, explore our detailed analysis on Technology and Digital Systems.

Key Analysis and Detailed Timeline

He was later given a four-year ban, which lapsed in July this year. The remaining suspects, who were arrested on Sunday, are due in court on Tuesday. Two have been charged with unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

It is unclear whether they will also be charged with murder and attempted murder. Tete was in his car waiting for the gate to his house to open when two armed suspects in balaclavas emerged from a vehicle and fired "multiple shots" at him and a 27‑year‑old female passenger, according to authorities.

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Tributes have been pouring in for the two-time world champion since his death.

South Africa's Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie stated: "South Africa has lost one of the finest fighters it has ever produced." Former Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula also paid tribute to Tete, lamenting the loss of a "a great South African who has made an immense contribution in the sport of boxing". Tete beat Liverpool's Paul Butler in 2015 in one of the eight times he fought in the United Kingdom.

Broader Impact and Sector Outlook

He also holds a Guinness World Record for the fastest knockout in a title fight, ending his match with Siboniso Gonya inside 11 seconds in 2017. Tete last fought in July 2022, beating Briton Jason Cunningham He tested positive for anabolic steroid stanozolol and was given a ban After his death, manager Mla Tengimfene confirmed he had been training for a comeback fight after his ban ended.

Tete had 29 wins in 34 fights, with four losses and one no-contest. Two-time world champion Tete shot dead outside home South Africa World Cup midfielder Adams dies aged 25 Remembrance service held for mum and two daughters Go to BBCAfrica.com , external for more news from the African continent.