Boxing fans were devasted to learn about the death of South African bantamweight champion Ronald “King” Malindi. The 29-year-old boxer from Tshakhuma died at the Helen Joseph Hospital in Gauteng on Monday, 7 October, after fighting for his life for weeks. The 29-year-old boxer from Tshakhuma was shot in the head and chest in the Westbury Township on 5 September during a robbery.

Malindi was undefeated in 19 fights and successfully defended his national title four times. His former trainer, Mr Charity Mukondeleli, said that Malindi had always been positive and told lots of jokes. “This is a huge shock and totally unexpected. We sometimes just feel it could not have happened to our boxer, but we know it was his day. Malindi is a great loss to the boxing fraternity. This was something he enjoyed so much – boxing. He will be sorely missed,” Mukondeleli said.

His mother, Ms Polinah Malindi, said the family mourned his death, although they had accepted what had happened. “There are things that we as human beings cannot change. We all have to accept those things and go on with life,” she said.

The manager of Limpopo Boxing Champions Promotion, Mr Phathutshedzo Dongola, said the news of Malindi’s death had sent shock waves through the sporting world. “We are deeply saddened by his death. The family is understandably devastated by this loss. Our sincere condolences go out to the family; we wish them strength during this extremely difficult time. He lost his life tragically. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.

Boxing SA said in a statement: “It is with deep sadness that Boxing South Africa mourns the loss of Malindi, a true South African bantamweight champion with an unblemished record of 19 professional fights without a single loss.”

At the time of our going to print, the family had not yet decided on a venue and date for the funeral.