The South Africa’s boxing fraternity is in mourning following the death of former two-division world champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete.
Boxing South Africa (BSA) confirmed on Friday that it had learnt “with profound shock and sadness” of the untimely passing of the celebrated boxer.
According to the organisation, the tragic incident reportedly took place on the evening of Friday, 21 August 2026, in Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape. Further details surrounding the circumstances of his death have not yet been released.
BSA extended its heartfelt condolences to Tete’s family, friends and colleagues, including his manager Mlandeli Tengimfene, the All Winners Boxing Club and Last Born Boxing Promotions.
“Zolani Tete was more than a champion. He was an icon of South African boxing,” the organisation said in a statement.
Tete rose from the renowned All Winners Boxing Club in Mdantsane, a gym that has produced several of South Africa’s finest boxers. Over the course of his professional career, he established himself as one of the country’s most accomplished fighters by winning world titles in two weight divisions.
In 2014, Tete captured the International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior bantamweight world title in Japan, before later adding the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) bantamweight championship to his list of achievements.
His success on the international stage inspired many aspiring South African boxers and cemented his place among the country’s boxing greats.
He also made global boxing history in 2017 when he recorded the fastest world title defence on record, knocking out fellow South African Siboniso Gonya just 11 seconds into their WBO bantamweight title fight.
Reflecting on his legacy, Boxing South Africa described Tete as “a true warrior and ambassador” whose achievements inside the ring elevated South African boxing on the world stage.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire boxing fraternity. The sport has lost a true warrior and ambassador,” BSA said.
The organisation said details of official tributes and memorial arrangements would be announced after consultation with the Tete family. It also appealed to the public and the media to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult period.
Tete’s death marks a significant loss for South African sport, with tributes expected to pour in from across the country and the international boxing community as they honour the life and career of one of South Africa’s greatest boxing champions.
Minister calls on community to identify suspects
Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation Minister Gayton McKenzie shared his condolences on the murder of former world champion “Last Born” Tete, including details of what happened.
“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 38. A 27-year-old woman who was in the car with him was shot multiple times and is in hospital tonight. I wish her a full recovery, and I ask that her privacy and the family’s be respected.”
“I want to speak first to his family and to the people of Mdantsane. There are no words I can offer tonight that will be equal to what you have lost. Your son’s name will not be treated lightly by this country, and my Department and I are at your disposal in the days ahead, in whatever way is useful to you.
“He was sitting at his own gate, waiting for it to open, and that is where they came for him. I will not speculate about who did this or why. That investigation belongs to the South African Police Service, and the detectives working it tonight need support,” Minister McKenzie continued.
According to Mckenzie, two armed men in masks approached and killed Tete at his front gate, with suspects fleeing the scene in an unidentified vehicle.
“I appeal to anyone who saw anything, who knows anything, who heard anything, to come forward. Somebody in that community knows who did this,” the minister said.
