EAST LONDON, South Africa: Former world boxing champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete was shot and killed outside his home in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province on Friday evening, police and the country’s sports minister have confirmed. He was 38.
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
The former IBF junior-bantamweight and WBO bantamweight titleholder was ambushed as he arrived at his residence in the Mdantsane township.
According to police, two armed men wearing balaclavas emerged from a vehicle and opened fire on Tete and a 27-year-old female passenger as he waited for his gate to open.
Tete, who also held the Guinness World Record for the fastest knockout in a title fight with an 11-second stoppage in 2017, leaves behind a legacy as one of South Africa’s most accomplished boxers.
They just shot and killed Zolani Tete, the Man who still hold the Guinness World Records for the fastest knock out in the Boxing History. South Africa is a crime scene. pic.twitter.com/KhRYPnnz9y
— Thatiley (@Thatiley) August 21, 2026
‘One of the finest fighters’
The female passenger sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she remains in treatment. The suspects fled the scene, and no arrests have been made. The motive for the attack remains unknown.
Media Statement
Minister Gayton McKenzie on the murder of former world champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete
South Africa has lost one of the finest fighters it has ever produced.
Zolani “Last Born” Tete was shot and killed this evening in Mdantsane, at his own home, at the age of… pic.twitter.com/jWK7vLaTYd
— Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) August 21, 2026
South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, confirmed the death and urged against speculation regarding the circumstances.
“I will not speculate about who did this or why,” McKenzie said in a statement. “South Africa has lost one of the finest fighters it has ever produced.”
McKenzie further called on the public to refrain from sharing graphic images or unverified information while police investigations continue.
Former two-division boxing world champion Zolani Tete, 38, was shot and killed outside his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, South Africa at about 18:30, on Friday August 21, 2026.
According to SAPS, two armed suspects opened fire on Tete’s vehicle, killing the 38-year-old and… pic.twitter.com/eb24E31b8b— T_CAS videos (@tecas2000) August 22, 2026
A legacy forged in the ring
Born in Mdantsane, a township renowned for producing boxing talent, Tete captured his first world title in 2014 when he defeated Japan’s Teiru Kinoshita in Kobe to claim the IBF junior-bantamweight crown. He later added the WBO bantamweight title to his achievements.
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However, Tete is perhaps best remembered internationally for his breathtaking 11-second knockout of fellow South African Siboniso Gonya in Belfast in November 2017, a victory that remains one of the fastest stoppages in a world title fight. He fought 34 times professionally, securing 29 wins, and was reportedly training for a comeback fight after the recent expiration of a four-year doping ban.
The World Boxing Organization mourns the tragic passing of former WBO Bantamweight World Champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, loved ones and the entire South African boxing community during this incredibly difficult time.… pic.twitter.com/UBlR7lf59s
— WBO (@WorldBoxingOrg) August 21, 2026
Renewed crime concerns
Tete’s death has sent shockwaves through the Mdantsane community and is likely to renew concerns over violent crime in South Africa, which continues to record one of the world’s highest murder rates despite a recent decline in homicides.
This is terrible news, we are so sorry Zolani Tete, rest in peace. We will do all in our power to make sure we find your killers Champ. pic.twitter.com/00CGUPB5au
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) August 21, 2026
Police have launched a major investigation and are appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App.
