Date: August 22, 2026
Reporter: Ifeanyi Ejiofor
MDANTSANE, South Africa — Former world boxing champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete has been shot dead outside his home in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, police and the country’s Sports Minister said.
Tete, 38, was arriving at his residence in the Mdantsane township on Friday when two armed men wearing balaclavas reportedly emerged from a vehicle and opened fire.
The former champion was killed in the attack, while a 27-year-old woman who was travelling with him was also shot multiple times and taken to hospital. Police have launched an investigation, but the motive for the killing remains unknown.
Boxing World Mourns Former Champion
News of Tete’s death has sent shockwaves through South Africa’s boxing community and beyond. South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie confirmed the killing and said he would not speculate about who was responsible or what motivated the attack.
The minister’s comments came as authorities began investigating the circumstances surrounding the former champion’s death. Tete was one of South Africa’s most accomplished boxers and had earned international recognition during a career that included multiple world titles.
Ambushed Outside His Home
According to police, Tete was waiting for the gate at his residence to open when the attackers approached. The two suspects were reportedly wearing balaclavas and arrived in a vehicle before opening fire.
The attack occurred in Mdantsane, a township in the Eastern Cape with a strong boxing tradition and a history of producing some of South Africa’s most successful fighters.
The woman accompanying Tete was seriously injured and remains in hospital, according to reports. Police have not publicly identified any suspects or established a motive for the killing.
A Distinguished Boxing Career
Tete established himself as one of Africa’s leading fighters during a professional career spanning more than a decade.
In 2014, he defeated Japan’s Teiru Kinoshita in Kobe to win the IBF junior-bantamweight world title. He later captured the WBO bantamweight championship.
His success made him a major figure in South African boxing and helped establish Mdantsane as an important centre for the sport.
Tete's career included victories over several respected opponents and appearances on major international boxing cards.
Famous 11-Second Knockout
Tete became particularly famous internationally for one of the most extraordinary finishes in boxing history. In November 2017, he faced fellow South African Siboniso Gonya in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Tete knocked Gonya out in just 11 seconds, producing what was widely recognized as the fastest stoppage in a world-title fight. The spectacular victory became one of the defining moments of his career and cemented his reputation as a devastating puncher.
Death Highlights South Africa’s Violent Crime Problem
Tete’s killing has also renewed attention on South Africa’s persistent problem with violent crime.
The country continues to record one of the world's highest murder rates despite recent declines in the number of homicides.
The murder of a well-known sporting figure in his own neighbourhood has therefore generated widespread concern and renewed calls for authorities to address violent crime. Eastern Cape officials have condemned the killing, while members of the boxing community have expressed shock at the loss of the former champion.
Mdantsane Pays Tribute
Mdantsane has produced numerous prominent South African boxers, making Tete’s death particularly painful for the local community.
For many residents, he represented the possibility of rising from the township to international sporting success.
His achievements inside the ring brought international attention to the community and made him an important local sporting figure. The circumstances of his death have therefore left residents mourning not only a former champion but also a prominent member of their community.
Investigation Underway
South African police have opened an investigation into the shooting.
Authorities are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the attack, including the identity of the attackers, their movements before and after the shooting and the possible motive. At the time of the latest reports, no motive had been established publicly.
The investigation will also determine whether the attack was targeted and whether Tete was specifically selected by the perpetrators.
A Career Cut Short
Tete’s death comes at a particularly tragic time in his life.
Reports indicate that the former champion had been preparing for a return to boxing after the expiration of a four-year doping suspension. His ban had ended only weeks before his death, and he was reportedly planning a comeback.
His planned return meant that Tete still hoped to contribute to the sport that had made him an international star. Instead, his life was cut short at the age of 38.
Tributes Pour In
Tributes have continued to emerge from boxing organizations, athletes, officials and fans following news of Tete’s death. His combination of speed, power and technical ability made him one of South Africa’s most recognizable fighters.
The World Boxing community has also mourned the former champion, remembering his achievements and his contribution to the sport.
For fans who watched his historic 11-second knockout, Tete will remain remembered as one of the most exciting fighters produced by South Africa.
Conclusion
The murder of Zolani “Last Born” Tete has robbed South Africa of one of its most accomplished boxing champions.
From winning world titles to recording one of boxing’s fastest championship knockouts, Tete built a remarkable legacy inside the ring.
Now, his family, friends, fans and the wider boxing community are left demanding answers about the violent attack that ended his life. Police continue to investigate, while the motive remains unknown.
As Mdantsane mourns one of its sporting heroes, Tete’s legacy as a world champion and one of South Africa’s most memorable boxers is likely to endure.
Dalena Reporters will continue to follow the investigation into Zolani Tete’s killing and provide updates as South African authorities release further information.