Four individuals are currently in police custody following the fatal shooting of former world boxing champion Zolani Tete in South Africa. The 38-year-old athlete was killed late last week outside his residence in Mdantsane, located in the Eastern Cape province.

Law enforcement officials stated that the incident unfolded as the boxer sat in his vehicle waiting for his property gates to open. Two masked assailants stepped out from another car and opened fire, discharging numerous rounds into the vehicle. A 27-year-old woman accompanying Tete sustained gunshot wounds during the attack and remains hospitalized for treatment.

Authorities moved quickly to apprehend suspects over the weekend. A 22-year-old man was captured on Saturday and is scheduled to appear in court to face formal counts of murder and attempted murder. Three additional suspects were detained on Sunday and are expected to face a judge shortly. Two members of this later group currently face charges related to unauthorized firearm and ammunition possession, while prosecutors determine whether to add homicide counts.

Throughout his professional career, Tete established himself as a prominent figure in international boxing. He claimed the International Boxing Federation super-flyweight belt in 2014 before later securing the World Boxing Organization bantamweight championship, which he held for a two-year stretch beginning in 2017. His resume also features a remarkable world record for securing the quickest knockout in a championship bout, finishing an opponent in just 11 seconds.

His career faced a setback in 2022 following a bout in London, after which a routine anti-doping screening returned positive results for a banned substance. Consequently, sporting authorities imposed a four-year suspension on the athlete. That penalty expired in July, and representatives confirmed that the fighter had recently resumed rigorous training with intentions of returning to the professional ring.

Condolences and tributes have emerged from political leaders and sporting figures across the nation. Government officials highlighted his legacy as an exceptional competitor who brought significant recognition to South African athletics on the global stage. Memorial messages emphasized the profound impact he made within the sport throughout his decades-long career, which included 29 victories across 34 professional bouts.

Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC News. Read the original report at BBC News.