The investigation into the murder of former two-time world boxing champion Zolani ‘Last Born’ Tete has taken another turn, with three more suspects taken into custody.
Also see: Slain boxing champion Zolani Tete continues to receive tributes
The latest arrests bring the total number of suspects in police custody to four as investigators continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the boxer’s death.
3 More suspects arrested
Eastern Cape police arrested three additional suspects on Sunday as the investigation intensified. According to police, one suspect was arrested in Mdantsane, while two others were apprehended in Scenery Park. The suspects are aged 27, 27 and 28.
The arrests follow the apprehension of a first suspect on Saturday in KuGompo City.
#sapsEC [SAPS UPDATES ZOLANI TETE MURDER CASE: FOUR SUSPECTS NOW IN CUSTODY IN ZOLANI TETE MURDER] Two more suspects have been apprehended, thus bringing the total number in custody to four in connection with the murder of boxer Zolani Tete, who was fatally shot at NU 17,… pic.twitter.com/lYowzvf7GY
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) August 23, 2026
Zolani Tete fatally shot outside his home
Zolani, 38, was fatally shot outside his home in NU 17, Mdantsane, on Friday, 21 August 2026.
A 27-year-old woman who was travelling with the boxer was also wounded during the shooting. She was rushed to hospital for medical treatment.
The first suspect arrested has been charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with the incident.
Also see: Police name woman wanted over DJ Warras murder
Suspects expected in court
The first suspect was expected to appear in the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The three suspects arrested on Sunday are also expected to appear in court as the legal process gets underway. Police are continuing to gather evidence and establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting. A person who was initially taken in for questioning was reportedly released, leaving four suspects in custody.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said the investigation remains ongoing.
Police are following up on leads and have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests as they work to establish the motive and circumstances surrounding Zolani’s murder.
Boxing world mourns Zolani Tete
Zolani’s death has sent shockwaves through the South African boxing fraternity.
The former champion, affectionately known as ‘Last Born,’ enjoyed an impressive career that saw him become a world champion in two weight divisions. His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, fellow boxers and public figures.
As the investigation continues, Zolani’s family, friends and supporters are left mourning the loss of a celebrated South African sporting figure.
Also see: Julius Mkhwanazi back in court over Emmanuel Mbense murder
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