Former world boxing champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete has been killed in a shooting outside his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
The 38-year-old boxer was reportedly attacked on Friday, August 21, when two armed men wearing balaclavas allegedly confronted him as he arrived at his residence and waited for the gate to open.
According to a police report, Tete was inside his vehicle when the gunmen opened fire. He sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene.
A 27-year-old woman who was with him during the attack was also shot several times. She was rushed to a hospital for treatment.
The police have commenced an investigation into the incident, although the reason for the attack has not been established. Authorities have also urged anyone with information that could assist in identifying the suspects to come forward.
Tete’s killing has added to concerns over violent crime in South Africa, a country that continues to struggle with a high murder rate despite a recent reduction in homicides. Government statistics indicated that an average of 58 people were killed daily across the country during the first four months of 2026.
The boxer had a distinguished career at the highest level, capturing the IBF junior-bantamweight world title in 2014 before later becoming WBO bantamweight champion.
Tete also entered the Guinness World Records after producing the fastest knockout in a world title fight. He stopped Siboniso Gonya with the opening punch of their 2017 contest, ending the bout after just 11 seconds.
He retired with 29 professional victories, 22 of them by knockout, alongside four defeats and one no contest.
His last professional appearance came in July 2022, when he defeated Britain’s Jason Cunningham at Wembley Arena in London. However, the result was subsequently overturned after Tete returned a positive test for stanozolol, a prohibited substance.
The failed test led to a four-year suspension, which expired in July 2026. Tete had reportedly been preparing for a comeback to professional boxing before his death
South Africa’s Sports, Arts and Culture Minister, Gayton McKenzie, said Tete remained convinced that he had more to contribute to the country.
“South Africa has lost one of the finest fighters it has ever produced,” McKenzie said.
“There are no words I can offer tonight that will be equal to what [the family] has lost.”
The World Boxing Council also expressed its grief over Tete’s death, offering its “deepest condolences” to his family while recognising his “remarkable career”.
