The boxing world is mourning the shocking death of former two-division world champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete, who was shot and killed outside his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, South Africa, on Friday night, August 21. He was 38 years old.

According to authorities, Tete was sitting in his vehicle waiting for his residential gate to open when two armed suspects wearing balaclavas approached and opened fire. Tete attempted to drive into his yard to escape the attack but died from his injuries at the scene.

A 27-year-old woman traveling with Tete was also shot multiple times and was hospitalized. Police have not publicly established a motive for the killing.

Two Persons of Interest Apprehended

South African police moved quickly in the investigation, apprehending two persons of interest in KuGompo City in connection with Tete's murder. The investigation remains ongoing.

A Comeback That Never Happened

Tete's death comes at an especially tragic point in his boxing career.

His last appearance came against Jason Cunningham in July 2022. Tete originally scored a knockout victory, but the result was later changed to a no-contest after he tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid stanozolol.

He subsequently received a four-year suspension.

That suspension expired in July 2026, clearing the way for the former champion to return to professional boxing. Tete had resumed training and was preparing for a comeback before his death.

The Legacy of “Last Born”

Tete finished his professional career with a record of:

29 Wins | 4 Losses | 1 No Contest | 22 KOs

The 5-foot-9 southpaw became one of South Africa's most accomplished lighter-weight fighters.

IBF Junior Bantamweight Champion

Tete captured the **IBF junior bantamweight championship in 2014, defeating Teiru Kinoshita by unanimous decision in Japan.

WBO Bantamweight Champion

After moving up in weight, Tete eventually captured the WBO bantamweight championship, holding the title during his run from 2017 to 2019.

His championship career took him around the world and included fights in South Africa, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Northern Ireland and England.

11 Seconds of Boxing History

Tete's most unforgettable moment came on November 18, 2017.

Defending his WBO bantamweight championship against fellow South African Siboniso Gonya, Tete landed a devastating right hook almost immediately after the opening bell.

The fight was officially stopped at just 11 seconds of the first round.

It remains recognized as the fastest knockout in a world-title fight, cementing Tete's place in boxing history.

South Africa Loses a Champion

Tete's death has sent shockwaves throughout South African boxing, particularly in his hometown of Mdantsane, an area with a deep boxing tradition.

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane described the killing as senseless and mourned the loss of one of the province's finest sporting figures. Tete's family has said it is devastated by his murder.

Zolani Tete's career had controversy, setbacks and triumphs, but his accomplishments inside the ring cannot be erased.

He became a two-division world champion, represented South Africa on boxing's international stage and authored one of the quickest and most spectacular finishes the sport has ever witnessed.

At 38, Tete was preparing to write another chapter.

Instead, boxing is left remembering the career and life of “Last Born.”

Rest in Peace, Zolani Tete March 8, 1988 – August 21, 2026