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The family of fallen former two-time world boxing champion Zolani Tete has described him as the pillar of the family, who was very supportive not only to his loved ones, but the whole community of boxing in the Eastern Cape.
Tete was fatally shot in front of his house in NU17, Mdantsane in KuGompo City last night.
Tete,a former WBO and IBF junior bantamweight world champion, was shot and killed by four men as he was returning from the gym last night.
Family spokesperson Siyabulela Tete says the 38-year-old was very disciplined and supportive of the family.
"He was disciplined and supportive to the family and community. He was still in suspension but he would still go and support upcoming and professional boxers so they can be successful in the sport,” Tete said.
“He was a kind person and we were always happy as a family when he was around. We are heartbroken and devastated.”
Tete, who had just returned from a four-year ban, was preparing to return to elite fighting possibly in November, and was one of the shining lights for boxing in the Eastern Cape province and South Africa for some time.
Tete senior says they were now starting to be hopeful that Zolani was returning to the ring later this year.
"We are devastated as a family because we had hope especially after his four year suspension. Things were looking up for him and then this tragedy happened, it's truly sad," he said.
Tete had a proud record of 34 professional fights, with 29 wins (22 via stoppage) and just four losses.
He lifted his first world title in 2014, stopping Japanese boxer Teiru Kinoshita to win the IBF junior bantamweight title.
Three years later, he was crowned as the WBO world champion in the bantamweight division after beating Arthur Villanueva.
Throughout this time, he was always alongside his long-time manager Mla Tengimfene, who was devastated last night after rushing to the scene.
Plans were already in place for Tete to return to the ring on the 29th of November this year, after he was banned in July 2022, when he tested positive for a banned steroid, stanozolol, after beating UK boxer Jason Cunningham.
His four-year ban ended on the 29th of last month.
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