The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Eastern Cape is deeply saddened by the brutal murder of former world boxing champion Zolani Tete in Mdantsane on Friday evening.
Tete was one of the Eastern Cape’s finest sporting talents and a proud product of Mdantsane, a community with a rich and distinguished boxing history.
He rose from those roots to become an internationally recognised champion, winning world titles in two weight divisions and earning respect both at home and abroad.
His achievements in the ring inspired countless young people, particularly in communities where sport offers not only hope, but a pathway to discipline, opportunity, and a better future. His death is therefore a profound loss, not only to his loved ones and the boxing fraternity, but to the entire Eastern Cape.
The murder of a man of Tete’s stature also serves as a painful reminder of the violent crime that continues to rob our communities of talented, productive, and much-loved people.
According to the South African Police Service, Tete was shot outside his home in NU17, Mdantsane. A 27-year-old woman who was travelling with him was also wounded and remains in hospital.
We welcome the swift progress made by SAPS, with two persons of interest having been apprehended in connection with the murder and attempted murder. Police have indicated that the investigation is continuing and that further arrests are expected.
We trust that investigators will be allowed to conduct their work thoroughly and that all those responsible will ultimately face justice.
The DA extends its heartfelt condolences to Tete’s family, friends, teammates, coaches, and everyone in the boxing community who knew and admired him. We also wish the injured woman a full and speedy recovery.
Zolani Tete’s remarkable contribution to boxing and to the sporting legacy of the Eastern Cape will not be forgotten.