South African boxing has been plunged into mourning following the killing of former two-division world champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete, who was shot dead outside his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, on Friday evening.
Tete was 38 and had been preparing for a return to the ring before his life was abruptly cut short.
The former champion was reportedly waiting for his residential gate to open when two armed men wearing balaclavas approached in a vehicle and opened fire.
Boxer Tried to Escape the Attack
According to Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, Tete attempted to evade the gunfire by driving his vehicle into his property.
He nevertheless sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 27-year-old woman who was reportedly travelling with Tete was also shot several times during the attack.
She was taken to hospital for treatment.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation, with the suspects still at large.
Gayton McKenzie Pays Tribute to a National Champion
Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie responded to the news with a deeply emotional tribute, describing Tete as one of the finest fighters South Africa has produced.
McKenzie directed his first words towards Tete’s family and the people of Mdantsane, saying there were no words sufficient to describe their loss.
The minister also offered support from his department to the family during the difficult days ahead and urged the public to respect their privacy.
Minister Calls for Information on the Killers
McKenzie said he would not speculate about the motive behind the shooting, stressing that responsibility for determining what happened rests with the South African Police Service.
He did, however, make a direct appeal to members of the Mdantsane community who may have witnessed the incident or have information about the suspects.
The minister urged anyone with relevant knowledge to come forward, emphasising that the attackers remained at large.
He also appealed to members of the public and media outlets not to circulate unverified information or distressing images connected to the killing.
Tete’s Remarkable World Championship Career
Tete leaves behind a decorated boxing legacy that stretched across two weight divisions.
In 2014, he travelled to Kobe, Japan, and defeated the home challenge to win the IBF junior-bantamweight world title.
He later captured the WBO bantamweight crown and defended it against leading fighters of his generation.
His most famous achievement came in November 2017, when he produced one of the most extraordinary finishes in boxing history.
Tete stopped his opponent just 11 seconds into their world title bout, establishing a record for the fastest knockout in a world championship fight.
That record remains one of the defining moments of his career.
Mdantsane Loses One of Its Own
McKenzie highlighted the special significance of Tete’s roots in Mdantsane, a township with a remarkable history of producing elite boxers.
The minister pointed to champions including Welcome Ncita and Vuyani Bungu, the latter of whom trained Tete and was an important influence on him during his youth.
Tete grew up idolising Bungu and became another world champion to emerge from the Eastern Cape boxing community.
His death therefore represents not only the loss of an accomplished sportsman but also a devastating blow to a community that had watched his career develop from local beginnings to international success.
Tete Was Preparing for Another Chapter
Despite having already achieved world championship glory, Tete was not ready to walk away from boxing.
He had been training for a comeback and believed he still had more to offer inside the ring.
McKenzie reflected on that ambition, saying Tete would no longer have the opportunity to fulfil those plans.
The minister described the circumstances as a loss for both the boxer and the country, noting that South Africa had effectively been robbed of the chance to see what the former champion could achieve next.
Boxing Authorities to Discuss How He Will Be Honoured
The Department of Sport and Boxing South Africa are expected to consult with Tete’s family over an appropriate way for the sport to commemorate his life and career.
McKenzie indicated that any tribute should be shaped in consultation with those closest to the former champion.
Tete’s accomplishments, particularly his achievements across two divisions and his record-breaking 11-second world title knockout, ensure that his name will remain firmly embedded in South African boxing history.
A Legacy That Will Outlast the Record
Tete’s death has brought an abrupt end to the career of a fighter who carried South Africa’s flag onto some of boxing’s biggest stages.
From Mdantsane to Japan and other international venues, he built a reputation as a world-class competitor before returning home with championship honours.
His record-setting knockout may remain the statistic most associated with his career, but his broader legacy extends far beyond those 11 seconds.
For a boxer who once represented the hopes and pride of his hometown on the world stage, Tete leaves behind a lasting place in South African sporting history.
What Happens Next?
Police investigations will now focus on identifying the two armed suspects responsible for the shooting and establishing the circumstances and motive behind the attack.
Authorities are expected to appeal for information from witnesses as the investigation progresses.
Meanwhile, Tete’s family, friends, supporters and the wider boxing community will mourn a champion whose life was cut short at just 38.
Summary
Former two-division world champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete has been killed in a shooting outside his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape.
The 38-year-old was reportedly attacked by two armed men while waiting for his residential gate to open. A woman who was with him was also wounded and remains in hospital.
Sport Minister Gayton McKenzie has condemned the killing, paid tribute to Tete’s remarkable career and called on anyone with information to assist investigators.
Tete’s achievements, including his two world titles and historic 11-second knockout, have secured his place among South Africa’s most memorable boxing champions.
His death has now left the sport and his hometown mourning one of their own.
