Parliament, Monday, 24 August 2026 - The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Education, Science and the Creative Industries, Mr Makhi Feni, has called on law enforcement agencies to do all in their power to bring to justice the killers of champion boxer Zolani Tete on the weekend.
The committee sends its heartfelt condolences to the Tete family and friends and to the boxing fraternity.
Mr Feni said lawlessness and access to illegal firearms is threatening not only the lives of our people, but South Africa’s stability. “The ease with which these thugs are able to just disappear among communities, and when arrested get bail, is becoming a pandemic. Law enforcements and government agencies need to deal decisively with the killing of innocent South Africans. South Africans have no other home other than South Africa, so it is unacceptable that people are killed for no apparent reason,” said Mr Feni.
“Zolani Tete’s murder has made it clear now that arresting these thugs and serving is no longer enough. When people get arrested for contact crimes to only be released on parole or bail to come and perpetuate exactly the things they were arrested for, it is clear arrest is not deterrent enough.”
“These kinds of crimes must carry serious punishment. This kind of killing is just continuing unabated. That is a serious concern and something that government and the police must resolve. Arrests are no longer enough when we continue to count bodies.”
Zolani Tete was killed in his Mdantsane home on the weekend, and four suspects are already in custody.
“The committee welcomes the arrest but that is woefully inadequate when a person has died. To the family we say akuhlanga lungehlanga, thuthuzelekani ngoko,” concluded Mr Feni.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, SCIENCES AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES, MR MAKHI FENI.
For media enquiries, contact the committee’s Media Officer
Mr Sibongile Maputi
cell: 0810526060
Email: smaputi@parliament.gov.za
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