BREAKING: FORMER TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION ZOLANI TETE SHOT DEAD

South African boxing is mourning the shocking death of former two-time world champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete, who was fatally shot in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, on Friday evening, 21 August 2026.

According to preliminary information from Eastern Cape police, the 38-year-old Tete had arrived at his residence at around 6:30pm and was waiting for the gate to open when he and a 27-year-old female passenger were allegedly ambushed by two unknown armed suspects wearing balaclavas.

Police say the suspects emerged from another vehicle and opened fire.

In an attempt to escape the gunfire, Tete drove his vehicle into the yard. He sustained fatal gunshot wounds and was declared dead at the scene.

The 27-year-old woman was also seriously wounded in the attack and was rushed to hospital, where she remains under medical care. Police are investigating the incident as a murder and attempted murder case. At the time of the latest reports, no arrests had been made and the motive remained unknown.

Tete’s manager, Mlandeli Tengimfene, confirmed his death and said his next of kin had been informed.

A CHAMPION’S LEGACY 🥊

Tete was born and raised in Mdantsane and became one of South Africa’s most accomplished boxers.

He won world titles in two weight divisions, including the IBF junior-bantamweight title in 2014 and the WBO bantamweight title in 2017. He also holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest knockout in a world-title fight, stopping Siboniso Gonya in just 11 seconds in Belfast in 2017.

His professional career ended with a record of 29 wins, 4 losses and 1 no-contest, including 22 knockouts.

Tragically, Tete had been preparing for a return to boxing after his four-year anti-doping suspension expired on 29 July 2026. The official UK Anti-Doping ruling states that his four-year period of ineligibility began on 30 July 2022 and ended at 23:59 on 29 July 2026.

Reports published before his death indicated that Tete was planning a comeback fight later in 2026.

From the streets of Mdantsane to becoming a two-time world champion, Tete carried the pride of the Eastern Cape onto the international boxing stage.

His death has sent shockwaves through South African sport, with tributes already pouring in from political leaders, boxing figures and fans.

Zolani “Last Born” Tete — 1988–2026. 🕊️🥊

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, supporters and the 27-year-old woman injured in the attack. The investigation remains ongoing.