By Ron Jackson
Reigning South African bantamweight champion Ronald “King” Malindi died on Saturday after having spent nearly two months in the Helen Joseph Hospital, where he had been admitted after being shot in the head and chest in the Westbury Township.
The 29-year-old fighter who was a taxi driver lived in Brixton and was originally from Tshakhuma outside of Thohoyandou.
Malindi made his pro debut on 24 September 2017 at Emperors Palace near Kempton Park against Tholumusa Ngema and won on a first round technical knockout.
He won his next four fights inside the distance before winning on points over four round against Ronnie Chiloane.
After scoring another two victories he won the vacant ABU African bantamweight title with a first round technical knockout over Alexander Gambinda.
Winning his next three fights in style he then claimed the vacant South African bantamweight title with a 12 round points win over Mbulelo Dyanti.
He would go on to the make four successful defenses of the title and needed only one more successful defense to retain the belt for his own property.
In his last fight on 8 July 2022 at the Steve Tshwete Banquet Hall, Middelburg he retained the title on a 12 round split decision against Rofhiwa Nemushungwa to finish with an outstanding record of 19-0, 9 KOs.
Wow! Rest easy champ!
Rest in Peace champ
Prayers for him and his family and loved ones…
Rest in peace champ!
South Africa, is a country ruled by criminals who, in turn, have created a haven for criminals and general lawlessness i.e. a failed state,
Do u live in South Africa to make such remarks?
You imply my remarks are untrue plus you (incorrectly) suggest one has to live in South Africa to make such comments. Yes, I do live in South Africa and the decline of the country is one of the greatest tragedies in modern history! BLM movements should be permanently based here because how ordinary Black people are treated by their political masters is shocking beyond belief. It is no coincidence that the decline of professional boxing in this country resulted from greedy politicians getting involved in the administration. Finally, the racism towards minority groups (e.g. Whites) is disgusting – did the Black population learn anything from Apartheid? – beyond belief (and again I speak from workplace experience).
Unfortunate. I wonder if it happened while he was driving his cab. Dumb sh**.
Sounds like South Africa.
Sounds like you’re arrogant/ignorant, What country you live in where cab drivers dont get shot? Or a country where dumb sh** doesn’t happen?
I’m neither one, pal.
Violence might be everywhere, but South Africa is a different kettle of fish.
Having known plenty of people from South Africa and with just about every one of them having some kind of a story about murdered family members and friends and plenty of close calls themselves, yeah, it’s something else.
Year after year, SA ranks in the top ten worldwide for murders, rapes and physical assaults in general.
This isn’t a knock against South Africans overall, but the country does have a big problem that the government either can’t or won’t fix.
Have you been there? Just a week ago a lyft driver that served in Afganistan with our troops got shot twice…in D.C! so are South Africa and the U.S the same?
Another tragic story from South Africa. May he forever rest in peace
South Africa is a dangerous country, as is the U.S. Guns are an issue with both countries. That’s why I live in South Korea.