Former World Boxing Champion Zolani Tete Shot Dead in South Africa at 38

 

South Africa — August 23, 2026

South African boxing has been plunged into mourning following the shocking killing of former two-time world champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete, who was shot dead outside his home in Mdantsane township in the Eastern Cape.

Tete, aged 38, was reportedly arriving at his residence on Friday when two armed men wearing balaclavas emerged from a vehicle and opened fire. He suffered fatal gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 27-year-old woman who was travelling with the boxer was also shot multiple times and taken to hospital for treatment. Police have launched an investigation, but the motive for the attack remains unclear. Authorities have appealed for information that could help identify those responsible.

A Champion's Legacy

Tete was one of South Africa's most celebrated boxers. He captured the IBF junior-bantamweight world title in 2014 before later becoming WBO bantamweight world champion in 2017.

He became internationally famous after producing one of boxing's most remarkable knockouts in 2017, stopping fellow South African Siboniso Gonya in just 11 seconds. The victory was recognised as the fastest knockout in a world-title fight.

South African Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie expressed grief over the death but urged people not to speculate about the identity or motive of the attackers while the investigation continues.

Tete was reportedly preparing for a return to the ring, with the minister saying the former champion believed he still had something to offer his country.

Shock and Grief

News of Tete's killing has sent shockwaves through the boxing community and the Mdantsane township, an area renowned for producing some of South Africa's finest fighters.

His death has also renewed concerns about violent crime in South Africa, where serious gun violence continues to claim lives despite recent reductions in the country's homicide rate.

For fans who watched Tete rise from Mdantsane to become a world champion, his death represents not only the loss of a remarkable athlete but also the sudden end of a life that still appeared to have much more to offer.

Police investigations are continuing as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting and bring those responsible to justice.

The boxing world has lost a champion — and South Africa has lost one of its proudest sporting sons.