Boxing South Africa [BSA] has confirmed the untimely passing of former IBF Junior Bantamweight and WBO Bantamweight World Champion, Zolani “Last Born” Tete.
Tete was reportedly shot and killed on the evening of Friday, 21 August 2026, in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Tete family, his manager Mlandeli Tengimfene, the All-Winners Boxing Club, and Last-Born Boxing Promotions during this incredibly difficult time,” said Boxing SA COO Mandla Ntlanganiso.
“Zolani Tete was more than a champion. He was an icon of South African boxing. A product of the famed All Winners Mdantsane boxing stable”
Tete’s achievements in the ring includes winning the IBF junior-bantamweight title in Japan in 2014 to claiming the WBO bantamweight crown, inspiring a generation of fighters.
His legacy includes holding the record for the fastest world title defence in boxing history, needing just 11 seconds to stop Siboniso Gonya in 2017.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire boxing fraternity. The sport has lost a true warrior and ambassador,” added Ntlanganiso.
Ntlanganiso says further details regarding official tributes and memorial arrangements will be shared upon engagement with the Tete family.