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Police processing the scene of the crime on Friday night. Picture: SINO MAJANGAZA (Sino Majangaza) <\/p>\nThe family of slain boxing champion Zolani \u201cLast Born\u201d Tete say they want justice for the former two-division world champion.<\/p>\n
Tete was gunned down outside his Mdantsane home on Friday evening after being ambushed by two armed suspects at about 6.30pm.<\/p>\n
The boxer was declared dead at the scene while his female passenger was rushed to hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds. <\/p>\n
Police processing the scene of the crime on Friday night. Picture: SINO MAJANGAZA (Sino Majangaza) <\/p>\n
Police have opened cases of murder and attempted murder. <\/p>\n
Tete\u2019s older brother, Siyabulela Tete, said the family was devastated by the loss of the man they affectionately called \u201cMaster\u201d.<\/p>\n
Master was a disciplined person. As the last born in the family, he always made sure everyone around him was happy and in good spirits<\/p>\n
\u2014 \u00a0Siyabulela Tete<\/p>\n
\u201cMaster was a disciplined person. As the last born in the family, he always made sure everyone around him was happy and in good spirits. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe will sorely miss him because he was the anchor of our family,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Siyabulela said the family had been looking forward to Tete\u2019s return to professional boxing after a suspension interrupted his career.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were very happy that Zolani was coming back to boxing. We were anxious and worried during his suspension, but we were excited that he was getting another opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said the family did not know the motive for the killing.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe pray that justice is served for our brother because we do not know why someone would be so heartless to kill an innocent person like that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Premier Oscar Mabuyane described Tete\u2019s killing as a devastating loss for the province and one of its greatest sporting icons.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe province has lost one of its finest sporting sons,\u201d Mabuyane said.<\/p>\n
He said Tete rose from the streets and boxing gyms of Mdantsane to become a world champion who carried the pride of the Eastern Cape and South Africa onto the international stage.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis journey inspired countless young people because he demonstrated that a child growing up in our townships can dream beyond their immediate circumstances and ultimately stand among the best in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mabuyane said Tete\u2019s death highlighted the devastating impact of illegal firearms and violent crime.<\/p>\n
That a life which brought so much pride to our province should end through the barrel of a gun is both heartbreaking and deeply disturbing<\/p>\n
\u2014 \u00a0Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane<\/p>\n
\u201cThat a life which brought so much pride to our province should end through the barrel of a gun is both heartbreaking and deeply disturbing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mabuyane called on police to leave no stone unturned in bringing those responsible to justice and appealed to anyone with information to assist investigators.<\/p>\n
MEC of sport, recreation, arts & culture, Sibulele Ngongo said Tete\u2019s influence extended far beyond the boxing ring.<\/p>\n
\u201cZolani Tete will be remembered for his contribution to the development and promotion of sport and for inspiring many young people who looked up to him.\u201d<\/p>\n
On Saturday, the SAPS dismissed widespread social media claims that arrests have been made in the Tete murder investigation.<\/p>\n
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, in a statement issued, said: \u201cThe SAPS wishes to categorically state that no arrests have been made in connection with this murder at this stage. The investigation continues, and our teams are actively pursuing all available leads.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gantana appealed to anyone with information that could assist police in their investigation to contact Inyibiba SAPS or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. <\/p>\n
She said all information would be treated as confidential.<\/p>\n
Police said further updates would be provided as the investigation progressed.<\/p>\n
Daily Dispatch<\/p>\n