Matilda Omonaiye/
South African police have arrested two suspects over the killing of former two-division world boxing champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete, who was gunned down in an ambush outside his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape.
Tete, 38, was killed on Friday, August 21, 2026, when two masked gunmen reportedly opened fire as he arrived at his residence and waited for his gate to open.
A 27-year-old woman travelling with the celebrated boxer was also shot multiple times in the attack and rushed to hospital, where she remains under treatment.
In a major development on Saturday, police confirmed the arrest of two suspects, aged 30 and 22, in Kugompo City.
The suspects are being questioned in connection with Tete’s murder and the attempted murder of his female companion, while investigators say further arrests are expected.
Eastern Cape police said Tete tried desperately to escape the barrage of gunfire by driving his vehicle into his compound, but his injuries proved fatal.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have yet to establish publicly the motive for the killing and have appealed for credible information while cautioning against speculation as the investigation continues.
Tete’s killing has sent shockwaves through South Africa and the international boxing community, cutting short the life of one of the country’s most accomplished fighters.
Born in Mdantsane, a township renowned for producing elite boxers, Tete rose to international prominence as a two-weight world champion.
He captured the IBF junior-bantamweight world title in 2014 before later becoming WBO bantamweight champion.
Tete secured a permanent place in boxing history on November 18, 2017, when he stopped fellow South African Siboniso Gonya just 11 seconds into their WBO bantamweight world-title fight in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
The sensational victory remains recognised by Guinness World Records as the fastest knockout in a championship boxing fight.
His professional career produced 29 victories, including 22 knockouts, against four defeats and one no-contest.
Tete had not fought since his July 2022 bout against Jason Cunningham, which was subsequently declared a no-contest after he tested positive for the banned substance stanozolol.
He received a four-year suspension that expired in July 2026 and had reportedly been preparing to return to the ring.
South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, led tributes to the slain boxer, describing his death as a devastating loss to the country.
“South Africa has lost one of the finest fighters it has ever produced,” McKenzie said, while expressing condolences to Tete’s family and the people of Mdantsane.
Tributes have continued to pour in from the boxing fraternity as police intensify efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the brazen killing and identify everyone involved.
Tete, nicknamed “Last Born,” leaves behind a legacy as one of South Africa’s most accomplished fighters and the man who delivered one of the fastest and most spectacular finishes in world championship boxing history.
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