Tributes continue to pour in for South African boxing champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete following his tragic death in a shooting in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape.
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eNCA reported that Zolani, 38, was gunned down outside his home on Friday night after masked attackers allegedly opened fire on his vehicle. A 27-year-old woman who was travelling with him was also wounded in the attack and taken to hospital. Zolani was declared dead at the scene.
The news of his death has sent shockwaves through the boxing fraternity, with fellow athletes, officials, political leaders and fans remembering the former two-division world champion for his achievements inside the ring and his impact beyond it.
Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane condemned what he described as the senseless killing, while Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality mayoral figures also expressed condolences to Zolani’s family, friends and the wider boxing community, reported Algoa FM.
A champion remembered
Zolani leaves behind an impressive boxing legacy. He became a world champion in two weight divisions and was widely celebrated for his exceptional speed and power.
One of the defining moments of his career came in 2017 when he knocked out Siboniso Gonya in just 11 seconds during a WBO bantamweight title fight. The victory earned Zolani a Guinness World Record for the fastest knockout in a world-title fight.
The boxer was also regarded as a source of inspiration in Mdantsane, a community with a proud boxing history. His manager, Mlandeli Tengimfene, said Zolani’s courage and legacy would live on among those he inspired.
WATCH | Zolani Tete’s promoter and manager, Mlandeli Tengimfene, says the boxer’s predictable routine of going to the boxing gym and then straight to choir practice was tragically cut short when he was gunned down after his training. pic.twitter.com/nrdgYf3rTV
— SABC News (@SABCNews) August 22, 2026
[WATCH DOORSTEP INTERVIEW WITH SABC]
MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCES TO ZOLANI TETE’S FAMILY AND THE BOXING FRATERNITY
At the young age of 38 we lost Zolani, one of the best Boxers to come out of Mdantsane. As the Minister of Sports back then I had the privilege of working closely with… pic.twitter.com/x3yGYa3JMB
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) August 22, 2026
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Boxing world mourns Zolani Tete
The World Boxing Council and other members of the international boxing community have joined South Africans in mourning Zolani’s death. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie also paid tribute to the boxer, describing him as one of the finest fighters the country had produced.
Zolani’s death came at a particularly painful time as he had been preparing for a return to the ring after serving a four-year suspension. His comeback plans had given fans hope of seeing the former champion compete again.
His death has therefore not only ended the life of a celebrated athlete but also cut short a potential final chapter in a remarkable career.
As South Africa continues to mourn, the messages of remembrance highlight a champion whose influence extended far beyond his achievements in the ring.
Zolani’s funeral service is scheduled for 29 August 2026, while a memorial service is expected to take place at the City Hall on Wednesday.
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