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MBALI HLOPHE: Zolani Tete shot dead: South African boxing loses two-time world champion Mbali Hlophe 22 August 2026 | 9:30Born and raised in Mdantsane, Tete became one of the most accomplished South African boxers of his generation. Former two-division world champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete in action. South African boxing has been plunged into mourning following the shocking death of former two-division world champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete, who was fatally shot in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, on Friday evening. Tete, 38, was reportedly arriving at his home in NU17 at around 6:30pm when he and a 27-year-old female passenger were ambushed by armed suspects. Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed that the attackers opened fire before fleeing the scene. Tete was declared dead at the scene, while the woman was taken to hospital with multiple gunshot wounds. No arrests had been made at the time of publication and the motive for the attack remained unknown. The news comes just weeks after Tete’s four-year suspension expired, with the former champion preparing to make an eagerly anticipated return to professional boxing. Tete had not fought since July 2022, when his victory over Britain’s Jason Cunningham was subsequently overturned to a no-contest after he tested positive for the banned substance stanozolol. UK Anti-Doping imposed a four-year ban, which expired on 29 July 2026. Tete had maintained that he had not knowingly taken the prohibited substance and had been planning a comeback. A two-weight world champion Born and raised in Mdantsane, Tete became one of the most accomplished South African boxers of his generation. He captured the IBF junior-bantamweight world title in 2014, defeating Teiru Kinoshita in Japan, before later moving up to bantamweight and winning the WBO world title. His greatest moment came in November 2017 when he produced one of the most extraordinary finishes in boxing history. Facing fellow South African Siboniso Gonya in Belfast, Tete stopped his opponent after just 11 seconds, setting the Guinness World Record for the fastest knockout in a world title fight. (SABC News) Tete went on to successfully defend the WBO bantamweight title before losing it to John Riel Casimero in November 2019. Zolani Tete’s professional record Tete finished his professional career with a record of: 34 bouts 29 wins 22 wins by knockout 4 defeats 1 no contest That gives him a 29-4-1 record, with 22 of his victories coming inside the distance. His four defeats included stoppage losses to Moruti Mthalane and John Riel Casimero, as well as decision defeats earlier in his career. His final recorded bout was the 2022 fight against Cunningham, which is listed as a no contest rather than a victory because the result was overturned following the doping case. Tete’s record, however, tells only part of the story. He was a world champion in two weight divisions, competed at the highest level internationally and produced a knockout that remains one of the most remarkable moments in boxing history. A comeback that will never happen The timing of Tete’s death makes the tragedy even more painful. After four years away from the sport, the former champion was finally eligible to return to the ring. Reports indicated that he was looking forward to fighting again and had ambitions of adding another chapter to his career. Instead, his comeback has been cut short in the most devastating circumstances. South African boxing has lost not only a former world champion but one of the country’s most recognisable fighters of the modern era. Tete’s legacy will be remembered through his two world titles, his 29 professional victories, his 22 knockouts and, above all, the astonishing 11-second world-title knockout that secured his place in boxing history. For a fighter known as “Last Born”, his final chapter has arrived far too soon. Get the whole picture 💡 Take a look at the topic timeline for all related articles. Trending News More in Opinion 21 August 2026 14:59 JAMIL F. KHAN | Jason Arday’s death raises questions about race, scrutiny and belonging in academia 21 August 2026 10:21 MALAIKA MAHLATSI | March and March and AfriForum – a collaboration reminiscent of an amoral past 18 August 2026 15:15 CHARLES MATSEKE | Suliman Carrim and Cat Matlala’s project diversion