Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of former boxing champion Zolani Tete, who was shot outside his Mdantsane home on August 21, 2026. The arrests were made by Eastern Cape police following a series of operations in the area.

Tete, 38, was shot at approximately 6:30 PM as he waited for his gate to open. Two armed men wearing balaclavas reportedly exited another vehicle and opened fire on Tete and a 27-year-old woman who was with him. In an attempt to escape, Tete drove his vehicle into the yard but succumbed to his injuries and was declared dead at the scene. The woman sustained multiple gunshot wounds and remains hospitalized.

The police confirmed that the first two arrests occurred on August 22, with suspects aged 30 and 22 apprehended in KuGompo City. A further three suspects, aged 22, 27, 27, and 28, were arrested on August 23 in Mdantsane and Scenery Park, bringing the total number of individuals in custody to four. The 22-year-old suspect has been formally charged with murder and attempted murder and is scheduled to appear in the Mdantsane Magistrate's Court on August 24. The other three suspects are expected to appear in court soon.

Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, a spokesperson for the Eastern Cape police, stated that the attempted murder charge relates to the injured woman, who was a passenger in Tete's vehicle during the shooting. Gantana also noted that a 30-year-old man initially detained has since been released and is considered a potential witness.

The police are continuing their investigation and expect more arrests as they follow up on leads. Gantana urged the public and media to refrain from speculation that could compromise the investigation's integrity.

Tete was a prominent figure in South African boxing, known for his achievements in two weight divisions and holding a Guinness World Record for the fastest knockout in a world title fight. He had a professional record of 34 fights, winning 29, including 22 by knockout. Tete had not fought since July 2022 due to a doping ban, which ended shortly before his death.

The boxing community and Tete's family have expressed their grief over his untimely death, with calls for justice as the investigation unfolds.