Boxing star Zolani Tete shot dead outside his home

The 38-year-old Zolani Tete, affectionately known as “Last Born”, was ambushed at around 6:30 p.m. on Friday evening.

He was reportedly waiting for his residential gate to open when two armed suspects wearing balaclavas emerged from a vehicle and opened fire.

ZOLANI TETE WAS PREPARING FOR A BOXING COMEBACK

According to Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, Tete attempted to escape the hail of bullets by driving his vehicle into the yard. However, he suffered fatal injuries and was declared dead at the scene.

A 27-year-old woman who was travelling with him sustained multiple gunshot wounds. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she remains under medical care.

Tete’s longtime manager, Mlandeli Tengimfene, confirmed the devastating news and said the boxer’s next-of-kin had been informed.

The tragedy comes just weeks after Tete’s four-year anti-doping suspension officially expired on 29 July 2026. The southpaw had tested positive for stanozolol following his 2022 victory over Jason Cunningham.

Despite the setback, Tete was determined to return to the ring. His management team had confirmed that he was training for a comeback fight scheduled for 28 November 2026, with the ambitious goal of winning a third world title.

Instead, his career has been brought to a tragic end.

Tete leaves behind an extraordinary boxing legacy. He won the IBF junior-bantamweight world title in 2014 and held it until 2015 before becoming WBO bantamweight world champion between 2017 and 2019.

He also etched his name into the Guinness World Records when he stopped Siboniso Gonya in just 11 seconds during their 2017 world title fight in Belfast. It remains the fastest knockout in a world title fight.

SOUTH AFRICA MOURNS A BOXING ICON

Zolani Tete finished his professional career with 29 victories from 34 fights, including 22 wins by knockout. His achievements made him one of the most decorated South African fighters of the modern era.

Tributes have already begun pouring in from political and sporting bodies. Many recognise Tete’s enormous contribution to boxing and his impact on the Eastern Cape.

Meanwhile, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has opened cases of murder and attempted murder. The motive for the shooting remains unknown, while no arrests have been made.