He Was Weeks Away From His Boxing Comeback.. Then ZOLANI TETE Was Assass*nated

Former South African boxing world champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete was shot dead outside his Mdantsane home on August 21, 2026, just weeks after becoming eligible to return to boxing following a four-year suspension. Two masked gunmen allegedly ambushed Tete while he waited for his gate to open, also seriously injuring his 27-year-old girlfriend.

Four suspects have since been arrested, including 22-year-old Uzuzole Goqwana, whom prosecutors suspect of masterminding the killing. Goqwana, who is paralysed from a 2025 shooting, claims he blamed Tete for his injuries and had been romantically involved with Tete's estranged wife, but denies ordering the murder. Tete's manager also says the boxer had received death threats since 2024. Investigators are now examining whether the world champion's killing was an alleged contract hit connected to a long-running personal dispute.