Zolani Tete, a 38-year-old two-time world boxing champion from South Africa, was tragically shot and killed in an apparent ambush outside his residence in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, on Friday evening, August 21, 2026. The incident occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. as Tete was arriving home and waiting for his gate to open.
"Zolani Tete was more than a champion. He etched his name in history as one of the country’s few two-weight world champions." — Boxing South Africa, Statement
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, two armed suspects, whose faces were obscured by balaclavas, emerged from another vehicle and opened fire on Tete’s vehicle. A 27-year-old woman who was traveling with Tete also sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to a nearby hospital, where she remains hospitalized. Tete attempted to escape the gunfire by driving his vehicle onto his property but was fatally wounded. “He unfortunately succumbed to his injuries and was declared deceased on the scene,” Gantana stated. The suspects fled the scene immediately after the shooting and remain at large, with authorities yet to announce a motive for the attack.
Zolani Tete was a highly decorated and respected figure in the world of boxing. His professional career saw him achieve significant milestones, including capturing the International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior bantamweight championship in 2014. He later added the World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight title, holding it from 2017 to 2019. Tete also etched his name into the Guinness World Records for the fastest knockout in a world title fight, achieving an astonishing 11-second victory over Siboniso Gonya in 2017 with a devastating right hand.
His most recent professional bout took place in July 2022 against Jason Cunningham in London. Although Tete initially secured a knockout victory, marking what would have been his 30th professional win in 35 bouts, the result was later changed to a no-contest. This alteration followed Tete’s positive test for the prohibited substance stanozolol, which led to a four-year suspension from the UK Anti-Doping Agency. Tete consistently maintained his innocence, asserting that he was a clean athlete and disputing the findings of the anti-doping agency.
Despite the setback, Tete's suspension officially ended on July 29, and he had been actively preparing for a return to professional boxing. His manager, Mla Tengimfene, confirmed that Tete was in training for a comeback fight scheduled for November 29. Earlier this year, Tete expressed his unwavering commitment to his career in an interview with The Ring, as reported by the Daily Mail. "Oh yes definitely, my plan is still unfinished," Tete remarked when asked about his intentions to fight again. "It’s been a while since I stepped inside the ring, I am looking forward to my comeback fight and getting back to winning ways."
News of Tete’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from the global boxing community. Boxing South Africa issued a statement describing Tete as an "icon of South African boxing" and lauded his profound impact on the sport. “Zolani Tete was more than a champion,” the organization stated. “He etched his name in history as one of the country’s few two-weight world champions.” The organization further added that his accomplishments "inspired a generation of fighters" and extended "deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire boxing fraternity." Boxing South Africa concluded its tribute by affirming, “The sport has lost a true warrior and ambassador.”
