Eastern Cape | Crime News | Murder Investigation
Former South African boxing world champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete has been shot and killed outside his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, in a shocking attack that has sent shockwaves through South Africa’s sporting community. The 38-year-old former IBF and WBO bantamweight world champion was gunned down after arriving at his residence, while a woman travelling with him was also shot and remains in hospital. Police have launched a murder investigation and are searching for two armed suspects who fled the scene.
According to police, the shooting occurred on Thursday evening, 20 August 2026, shortly after Tete arrived at his home in NU1, Mdantsane. Initial reports indicate that two armed men wearing balaclavas approached the vehicle and opened fire before fleeing the area.
Tete sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was declared dead at the scene. The woman who was travelling with him was also struck by gunfire and was rushed to hospital for medical treatment. Authorities have not yet released details regarding her condition beyond confirming that she survived the attack.
Police have opened a murder case as well as an attempted murder investigation relating to the wounded passenger. Detectives are pursuing several leads but have not yet identified a motive for the killing. No arrests had been announced at the time of publication.
The death of Tete marks a tragic end to one of South Africa’s most successful boxing careers.
Born in Mdantsane on 8 March 1988, Tete rose from humble beginnings to become one of the country’s most accomplished professional boxers. He first gained international recognition when he captured the IBF junior bantamweight world title in 2014 after defeating Teiru Kinoshita in Japan.
Tete later moved up to bantamweight and enjoyed even greater success, winning the WBO bantamweight world title in 2017. During his reign, he established himself as one of the most dangerous fighters in the division, known for his speed, precision and knockout power.
One of the defining moments of his career came on 18 November 2017 when he knocked out Siboniso Gonya in just 11 seconds in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The victory remains one of the fastest knockouts ever recorded in a world title fight and brought international attention to South African boxing.
Over a professional career spanning nearly two decades, Tete built an impressive record against some of the world’s leading fighters. He became a respected figure both inside and outside the ring and was widely regarded as one of South Africa’s finest boxing exports.
Tributes began pouring in shortly after news of his death emerged.
Boxing South Africa, fellow athletes, promoters and fans expressed shock and sadness at the killing, describing Tete as a champion who inspired countless young South Africans through his achievements and dedication to the sport.
The Eastern Cape has produced numerous boxing legends over the years, and Tete’s success helped continue the province’s proud tradition in the sport. Many young fighters looked up to him as proof that athletes from township communities could achieve success on the global stage.
The shooting has also renewed concerns about violent crime affecting high-profile South Africans. While police have not indicated whether the attack was targeted, investigators are expected to examine all possible motives, including robbery, personal disputes and other criminal factors.
For residents of Mdantsane, the loss is particularly significant. Tete remained closely connected to his hometown despite achieving international success and was regarded as a local hero by many community members.
As detectives continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses, police have appealed to anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Investigators are expected to review surveillance footage, forensic evidence and witness accounts as they attempt to identify those responsible.
The killing of one of South Africa’s most celebrated boxing champions is likely to remain a major national story in the days ahead as the country mourns the loss of a sporting icon and awaits answers about what led to the deadly attack.
