‘We do not know why someone would be so heartless’: Zolani Tete’s family speak as 2 arrested
· Citizen
The family of slain former world champion Zolani Tete has demanded justice after his murder.
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Tete was gunned down outside his Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, home on Friday evening. He was 38.
He had reportedly pulled into his driveway after arriving from the gym when he was confronted by armed men in balaclavas who opened fire on him and a 27-year-old passenger.
Tete, nicknamed Last Born, died in the hail of bullets, while the passenger was rushed to hospital with multiple gun wounds.
Speaking to the Sunday Times hours after his brother’s death, Siyabulela Tete said his family was heartbroken.
“We pray that justice is served for our brother because we do not know why someone would be so heartless and kill an innocent person like that.”
He described Zolani as the anchor of his family.
“He was a disciplined person. As the last-born in the family, he always made sure everyone around him was happy and in good spirits. We will sorely miss him.”
Arrests
Sports minister Gayton McKenzie said he believes someone in the community must know something about the murderers.
“I appeal to anyone who saw anything, who knows anything, who heard anything, to come forward. Somebody in that community knows who did this.”
A few hours later, police confirmed that two people had been arrested as persons of interest.
“The individuals, aged 30 and 22, were apprehended in Ku Gompo on Saturday, following a swift and intelligence-driven operation involving multiple law enforcement units.
“They are currently in custody and are being questioned in relation to the murder and attempted murder relating to the 27yr-old female passenger who was wounded in the attack.”
Investigations continue, with several leads being followed and more arrests expected soon.
‘Your legacy will endure’
McKenzie also thanked Zolani’s family for sharing him with the nation.
“There are no words I can offer tonight 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.
“Lala ngoxolo, Last Born. You carried this flag into rooms it had no business being in, and you did it once in just eleven seconds. Your legacy will endure, though, without a timer,” McKenzie said.