Former South African world boxing champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete has been shot dead outside his home in Mdantsane township, Eastern Cape province.

The 38-year-old former world champion was reportedly arriving at his residence on Friday when two armed men wearing balaclavas emerged from a vehicle and opened fire on him.

Tete was pronounced dead at the scene, while a 27-year-old woman who was with him was also shot multiple times and taken to hospital for treatment.

Police have launched an investigation into the killing, but the motive behind the attack remains unclear. Authorities have appealed to members of the public with information about the shooting to come forward.

Tete was one of South Africa’s most successful boxers, winning the IBF junior-bantamweight world title in 2014 before later claiming the WBO bantamweight title. He also held the record for the fastest knockout in a world title fight after stopping fellow South African Siboniso Gonya in just 11 seconds in 2017.

His death has sent shockwaves through South Africa’s boxing community, with tributes pouring in for the former champion. Tete had reportedly been preparing to make a return to the ring after serving a suspension.

South Africa’s Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie described Tete as one of the country’s finest fighters, while boxing organisations also paid tribute to his achievements and legacy.

The investigation into his killing is ongoing.