South African boxing has been plunged into mourning following the shocking shooting death of former two-division world champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape.
The celebrated boxer, 38, was fatally shot outside his home on Friday evening, August 21, 2026, in an attack that has sent shockwaves through the African and international boxing communities.
According to preliminary reports, Tete had arrived home and was waiting for his gate to open at around 6:30 p.m. when armed suspects allegedly approached his vehicle and opened fire.
Tete reportedly attempted to drive into his yard to escape the attack but suffered fatal gunshot wounds and was declared dead at the scene. A 27-year-old woman who was travelling with him was also shot multiple times and rushed to hospital for treatment.
Eastern Cape police have opened a murder and attempted-murder investigation as authorities work to establish the motive behind the deadly attack. No arrests had been announced at the time of reporting.
Tete’s death is particularly heartbreaking as the former champion was preparing to make a return to professional boxing. His manager, Mlandeli Tengimfene, said Tete had been scheduled to fight again on November 29 following the completion of a four-year doping suspension.
Born in Mdantsane, Tete established himself as one of South Africa’s finest fighters. During his career, he captured world championships in two weight divisions and earned international recognition for his speed and punching power.
He famously produced an extraordinary 11-second knockout of Siboniso Gonya in 2017, one of the fastest finishes ever recorded in a world-title fight.
Tete finished his professional career with 29 victories, including 22 knockouts, against four defeats, although his 2022 victory over Jason Cunningham was later changed to a no contest following a failed drug test.
Instead of celebrating his highly anticipated comeback, South African boxing is now grieving the sudden loss of a former world champion whose life ended violently in his hometown.
Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain ongoing.
