Former two-weight world boxing champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete has been shot dead outside his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, South Africa, in a killing that has sent shockwaves through the boxing community.
The 38-year-old former champion was reportedly arriving at his residence on Friday when two armed men wearing balaclavas allegedly emerged from a vehicle and opened fire on him.
A 27-year-old woman who was travelling with Tete was also reportedly shot multiple times and rushed to hospital for treatment.
Police have launched investigations into the killing, but the motive remains unclear.
South Africa’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie confirmed Tete’s death and cautioned against speculation over who may have been responsible or why the boxer was targeted.
“I will not speculate about who did this or why,” McKenzie said.
Tete’s killing is expected to renew concerns over violent crime in South Africa, while his death has particularly shocked Mdantsane, a township known for producing several accomplished boxers.
Tete built an impressive professional career, becoming a two-weight world champion.
In 2014, he captured the IBF junior-bantamweight world title after defeating Japan’s Teiru Kinoshita in Kobe.
He later won the WBO bantamweight title, further cementing his status among South Africa’s notable boxing champions.
However, Tete’s most memorable international moment came in November 2017, when he knocked out fellow South African Siboniso Gonya in just 11 seconds in Belfast.
The stunning victory became the fastest stoppage in a world title fight.
Former two-time boxing world champion Zolani Tete was shot and killed outside his home in South Africa last night. The 38-year-old was ambushed in his car by two armed men. Tete was preparing for a professional comeback after his four-year doping suspension expired in July. pic.twitter.com/zkHb0oYfrE
— The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) August 22, 2026
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