Probe tightens after four arrests in Zolani Tete murder

Eastern Cape police have arrested four people in connection with the fatal shooting of former world champion boxer Zolani Tete, authorities said, as investigators follow leads in a case that has drawn national attention.

Police make four arrests as investigation continues

Eastern Cape police confirmed that one suspect was arrested at KuGompo City, and a further three suspects were arrested in Mdantsane and Scenery Park. The three suspects taken into custody are aged 27, 27 and 28.

Police corrected the age of one suspect arrested earlier, saying the correct age is 27 and not 22 as previously reported. The 22-year-old suspect has been formally charged with murder and attempted murder. He is expected to appear in the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court on August 24. The other three suspects are expected to appear in court soon, police said.

Details of the shooting and injured passenger

Police said Tete was fatally shot Friday evening in NU 17, Mdantsane. The shooting happened at about 6:30pm while he sat in his car waiting for his gate to open. Two armed men wearing balaclavas reportedly exited another vehicle and opened fire on Tete and the woman travelling with him.

In an attempt to flee the gunfire, police said Tete drove into his yard but succumbed to his injuries and was declared deceased at the scene. The woman, described by police as a 27-year-old passenger, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and remains hospitalised. The attempted murder charge relates to her injuries.

Investigative steps and public caution

Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, Eastern Cape police spokesperson, said more arrests are expected as investigators follow up leads. She warned against speculation and the spread of unverified information that could compromise the investigation and court proceedings.

“Due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation, the SAPS is unable to disclose further details at this time,” Gantana said. She also commended the investigating team for their diligence and swift action.

Police also noted that a 30-year-old man was later detained and remains in custody. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses, the police said.

Who was Zolani Tete?

Tete, 38, was one of South Africa’s most successful boxers, winning world titles in two weight divisions. He holds a Guinness World Record for the fastest knockout in a world title fight stopping Siboniso Gonya in 11 seconds on November 18, 2017, at the SSE Arena in Belfast.

His career highlights in the source material include winning the IBF junior bantamweight title in July 2014 and the WBO bantamweight title in 2017. Over his professional career he fought 34 times, winning 29 bouts, including 22 by knockout.

The record also states Tete had not fought since July 2022, when he tested positive for the banned steroid stanozolol after a victory at Wembley. That result was overturned to a no contest and he received a four-year ban that ended on July 29, 2026. Tete told a boxing magazine he maintained he had never knowingly taken the substance and had planned to return to the ring.

Background and next steps

Tete grew up in Mdantsane and began boxing at age eight. He was trained by former world champion Vuyani Bungu.

Police say they will continue following leads and updating the public as appropriate. For now, four suspects remain in custody and court appearances are pending.

Editor’s note: Dates in the original reporting were given as relative references (e.g., ‘Friday evening’); we have removed inferred calendar years to match the source.