Eastern Cape | Crime News
Zolani Tete | Murder Investigation
The investigation into the murder of former South African boxing world champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete has taken a significant turn after police confirmed the arrest of two suspects believed to be linked to the fatal shooting. The arrests come less than 24 hours after Tete was gunned down outside his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, in an attack that shocked the nation and sent waves of grief through the international boxing community. Authorities say additional arrests are expected as investigators continue pursuing multiple leads.
Eastern Cape police confirmed that two men, aged 30 and 22, were apprehended in Ku Gompo on Saturday, 22 August 2026, following what authorities described as a swift intelligence-driven operation involving several specialised law enforcement units. The suspects are currently being questioned in connection with Tete’s murder and the attempted murder of the 27-year-old woman who was wounded during the attack.
Police have deliberately withheld details regarding the motive and circumstances surrounding the arrests, citing the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation. Investigators have indicated that several additional leads are being actively pursued and have warned that more arrests could follow in the coming days.
Tete, 38, was shot dead on Friday evening, 21 August 2026, shortly after arriving at his home in NU17, Mdantsane. According to police, the former world champion was sitting in his vehicle waiting for his gate to open when two armed men wearing balaclavas emerged and opened fire. A 27-year-old woman travelling with him was also shot multiple times and remains in hospital recovering from her injuries.
Authorities say Tete attempted to escape the attack by driving into his yard but succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Investigators have not confirmed whether robbery, personal disputes, organised crime or any other motive may have played a role in the killing.
The arrests represent the first major breakthrough in a case that has attracted widespread national attention. Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana has urged the public not to speculate about the motive or spread unverified information, warning that misinformation could compromise both the investigation and future court proceedings.
The murder has reignited concerns about violent crime in South Africa and the targeting of high-profile public figures. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie previously vowed that authorities would do everything possible to find those responsible, while tributes have continued to pour in from boxing organisations, athletes and supporters across the world.
Tete remains one of South Africa’s most accomplished professional boxers. Born and raised in Mdantsane, he became a two-division world champion after winning the IBF junior bantamweight title in 2014 and the WBO bantamweight championship in 2017. He also holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest knockout in a world title fight after defeating fellow South African Siboniso Gonya in just 11 seconds in Belfast in 2017.
Reports indicate that Tete had recently been preparing for a return to professional boxing following the expiry of a four-year suspension and was expected to fight again later this year. His death has therefore not only robbed South Africa of a sporting icon but has also ended what many hoped would be a remarkable comeback story.
As investigators continue piecing together the events that led to the fatal shooting, attention is now turning to whether the suspects currently in custody will face formal charges and whether additional arrests could expose a broader criminal conspiracy behind the killing. Police have appealed to anyone with information to contact Crime Stop or local authorities.
