Sport minister McKenzie leads tributes as SA mourns the death of boxing champion Tete

Sport, arts and culture minister Gayton McKenzie led the tributes after the death of world boxing champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete in Mdantsane on Friday night.

Tete, 38, was shot dead outside his home, and a 27-year-old woman who was with him in the car was taken to hospital.

McKenzie has appealed to the public to assist with finding those responsible for the killing.

Tete held world title belts in the WBF flyweight category from 2007 to 2008 and the WBO bantamweight title in 2017 and 2019.

“I want to speak first to his family and to the people of Mdantsane. There are no words I can offer tonight [Friday] that will be equal to what you have lost.

“Your son’s name will not be treated lightly by this country, and my department and I are at your disposal in the days ahead in whatever way is useful to you,” said McKenzie.

“He was sitting at his own gate, waiting for it to open, and that is where they came for him. I will not speculate about who did this or why; that investigation belongs to the SAPS, and the detectives working on it need support.”

Your son’s name will not be treated lightly by this country, and my department and I are at your disposal in the days ahead

“The World Boxing Organisation mourns the tragic passing of former WBO bantamweight world champion Zolani ‘Last Born’ Tete.

“We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, loved ones and the entire South African boxing community during this difficult time.”

The EFF also sent condolences to the family, friends, supporters and the boxing fraternity.

Over the years, Mdantsane has produced world champions such as Welcome Ncita, Vuyani Bungu, who trained Zolani and he idolised as a young boy, and Nkosinathi Joyi.