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Zolani “Last Born” Tete was murdered outside his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape on Friday, August 21. Now authorities have arrested four men for the murder and have them in custody.
Zolani Tete Murder Case: Key Facts
Detail | Info |
Victim | Zolani “Last Born” Tete, 38 |
Killed | Friday, August 21, 2026 |
Where | Outside his home, Mdantsane, Eastern Cape |
Circumstances | Ambushed in his car while waiting for his gate to open |
Attackers | Two men in balaclavas |
Second victim | A 27-year-old woman, shot multiple times, hospitalized |
Also present | Tete’s two children, unharmed |
Arrests | Five made, four still in custody |
Suspect ages | 22, 27, 27, 28 |
Released | A 30-year-old, now regarded as a witness |
Charged so far | The 22-year-old, murder and attempted murder |
Court | Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court |
Next appearance | Tuesday, August 25 |
Motive | None established |
Every Arrest So Far
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 02: Zolani Tete celebrates with the IBF International and Commonwealth Super Bantamweight belt after knocking out Jason Cunningham in the IBF International and Commonwealth Super Bantamweight Title fight between Jason Cunningham and Zolani Tete at OVO Arena Wembley on July 02, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
The arrests took place over the weekend. The first arrest happened as police intercepted one of the suspects at King Phalo Airport where he was allegedly set to board a plane. That suspect is 22 years old. The second, third and fourth arrests happened on Sunday. There was one in Mdantsane and two in Scenery Park. The ages of the suspects are 27, 27, and 28.
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There was a 30-year-old taken in on Saturday, but authorities now reportedly see him as a witness rather than a part of the group who allegedly murdered Tete.
The 22-year-old who was identified as Uzu Kuwana has been formally charged with murder and attempted murder. The state opposed bail, and postponed things until Tuesday, August 25. Two of the three arrested on Sunday face charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. Those details aren’t yet confirmed, but the main case is set to begin on August 25.
Police have not given a motive. Provincial spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said more arrests are expected as investigators follow up leads.
Tete was 38 and was waiting in his car for his gate to open when two men in balaclavas opened fire. He had just come off a four-year doping suspension that expired in July, and he was preparing a comeback.
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He is best known for an 11-second knockout of Siboniso Gonya in 2017, the fastest in world title history.
Where The Case Stands
Five men were arrested between Saturday and Sunday; four remain in custody
The 30-year-old arrested Saturday in KuGompo City was released and is now treated as a potential witness
Two of the Sunday arrests were made in Scenery Park, one in Mdantsane
The Scenery Park pair appeared in KuGompo City Magistrate’s Court on Monday, with the case moved to Mdantsane
All four are expected in the same court on Tuesday
Who Zolani Tete Was
Two-division world champion out of Mdantsane, Eastern Cape
WBO bantamweight titleholder
Professional record of 29 wins, 4 losses, 22 knockouts
Holds the Guinness record for the fastest knockout in a world title fight, 11 seconds
Last fought in July 2022 against Jason Cunningham at Wembley Arena
Served a four-year doping suspension that expired in July 2026
South Africa’s sports minister Gayton McKenzie confirmed his death
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This article was originally published on Forbes.com
