Former two-division world boxing champion Zolani "Last Born" Tete, aged 38, was tragically murdered outside his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, on August 21, 2026. The attack occurred as Tete waited in his car for his gate to open when two men wearing balaclavas ambushed him and opened fire. A 27-year-old woman was also shot multiple times and hospitalized, while Tete's two children, who were present, escaped unharmed. The incident sent shockwaves through the boxing community, as Tete was preparing for a comeback after serving a four-year doping suspension which concluded in July 2026.

In response to the murder, South African police have arrested five men between Saturday and Sunday, four of whom remain in custody. The suspects range in age from 22 to 28 years old, with the 22-year-old, Uzu Kuwana, charged with murder and attempted murder. Two of the others face charges related to unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, while a 30-year-old man initially arrested was later released and is now considered a witness. Authorities report that more arrests are expected as investigations continue, but no official motive has yet been established.

The case is moving quickly through the judicial system. Kuwana appeared in Mdantsane Magistrate's Court, where the prosecution opposed bail, and the trial has been postponed to August 25, 2026. Other suspects arrested in Scenery Park and Mdantsane have also appeared in court, with cases consolidated at the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court. Police remain tight-lipped on the details but emphasize ongoing efforts to follow leads that could provide clearer insight into the crime and its perpetrators.

Zolani Tete was a celebrated figure in the boxing world, holding the WBO bantamweight title and achieving a professional record of 29 wins, 4 losses, and 22 knockouts. He made history with an 11-second knockout of Siboniso Gonya in 2017, the fastest in world title fight history. His death has deeply affected South African sports, with confirmation and condolences coming from sports officials including the country’s sports minister, Gayton McKenzie. The boxing community awaits justice as the investigation unfolds.