Four suspects in custody over murder of former world champion Zolani Tete

Four people are now in police custody in connection with the killing of former world boxing champion Zolani Tete, as investigators continue to piece together what happened during the fatal shooting in Mdantsane.

Tete, a two-time world champion, was shot dead in NU 17, Mdantsane, on Friday, 21 August 2026.

Eastern Cape police say the investigation is moving quickly, with more arrests expected as detectives follow up on leads.

Arrests made across Mdantsane and Gompo City

According to Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, the first suspect was arrested on Saturday, 22 August, at KuGompo City.

Three further suspects were arrested on Sunday, taking the total number of people in custody to four.

The latest arrests were made in Mdantsane and Scenery Park, with the three suspects arrested on Sunday aged 27, 27 and 28.

Police also clarified the age of one of the suspects previously reported to be 22. SAPS said the suspect is actually 27 years old.

The 22-year-old suspect arrested on Saturday has been formally charged with murder and attempted murder and is due to appear before the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 24 August.

Female passenger remains in hospital

The attempted murder charge relates to a 27-year-old woman who was travelling with Tete when the attack took place.

She was wounded in the shooting and remains in hospital.

Meanwhile, a 30-year-old man who was initially apprehended on Saturday has since been released. Police say he remains a potential witness as the investigation continues.

Police warn against speculation

The latest developments come as the murder investigation continues to attract public attention following the death of a boxer who had represented South Africa on the world stage.

SAPS said further arrests are expected and that detectives are continuing to follow up on information linked to the case.

However, police have urged the public and media to avoid speculation or sharing unverified claims while the investigation is still active.

Authorities said releasing unconfirmed information could potentially compromise the investigation and affect the integrity of future court proceedings.

For now, the focus remains on establishing exactly what happened in NU 17 and bringing those responsible for Tete’s death before the courts.

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