Two-time world champion boxer Zolani Tete, 38, was fatally shot and killed in an apparent ambush outside his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Police confirmed the incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026.
Tete was arriving at his residence when two armed suspects wearing balaclavas emerged from a vehicle and opened fire. He was struck multiple times and declared deceased at the scene. A 27-year-old female passenger in the vehicle sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was taken to a nearby hospital, where she remains hospitalized. The suspects remain at large.
Zolani Tete held the WBO bantamweight title from 2017 to 2019. He is also recognized by Guinness World Records for the fastest knockout in a title fight, stopping Siboniso Gonya in 11 seconds in 2017. He was a product of the famed All Winners Mdantsane boxing stable and was considered an icon of South African boxing.
Minister Gayton McKenzie described Tete as one of South Africa's finest fighters and pledged support to his family and the community. He appealed for anyone with information to come forward to the South African Police Service.
Tete's last professional fight was in July 2022, resulting in a win that was later overturned to a no-contest after he failed a drugs test. He received a four-year ban from the UK Anti-Doping Agency for testing positive for stanozolol, which ended on July 29, 2026. Despite the ban, Tete maintained his innocence and was reportedly training for a comeback fight scheduled for November 29, 2026.
Boxing South Africa expressed profound shock and sadness at his passing, calling Tete an inspiration to a generation of fighters and a true warrior and ambassador for the sport. The organization extended condolences to his family, manager, and the boxing fraternity, stating that further details on tributes and memorial arrangements would be shared upon consultation with the family.