Zolani ‘Last Born’ Tete Remembered: South Africa Pays Tribute a Week After Boxing Champion’s Murder
Less than a week after masked gunmen killed Zolani “Last Born” Tete outside his Mdantsane home, tributes continue to pour in for the world‑title holder whose lightning hands, humility and devotion to family made him one of South Africa’s most beloved boxing figures.
By LINDA XIMBA
“But my brothers, you have actually gone as far as killing me in front of my people.”
“But my brothers, you have actually gone as far as killing me in front of my people.” These were reportedly the last words spoken by Zolani “Last Born” Tete as masked gunmen ambushed him while he was about to enter his home in the NU section of Mdantsane, Gompo City, on Friday night.
The woman accompanying Tete—one of South Africa’s most accomplished boxers, who brought glory to the country by winning world titles in two weight divisions—is recovering in hospital. One of Tete’s three children, who was also in the vehicle, escaped unharmed.
Police Pursue Fifth Suspect
By Wednesday afternoon, Eastern Cape police had revealed that they were pursuing a fifth suspect, who was expected to join four others who had already appeared before the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court.
Shockwaves Across Boxing
The killing sent shockwaves across South Africa and drew reactions from boxing circles as far afield as Panama, Mexico and the United Kingdom, where Tete had built a formidable following through his achievements in the ring.
Mdantsane’s Boxing Legacy
For the people of Mdantsane, the tragedy also reopened painful memories of 2019, when Leighandre Jegels was fatally shot. Tete’s emergence as a world champion was hardly surprising in a township where boxing is almost a way of life.
Mdantsane has produced a remarkable list of champions, including Masibulele Makepula, Welcome “Hawk” Ncita, Vuyani “The Beast” Bungu, Simphiwe “V12” Vetyeka and Sivenathi Nontshinga.
Family First, Always
Although winning prestigious IBF and WBO world titles transformed his life, he remained a man of the people. His manager, Mlandeli Tengimfene, recalled how Tete bought his mother a prosthetic leg and built homes for his sisters before himself.
“He truly prioritised improving his family home first,” Tengimfene said.
Tete’s mother, Nomonde Tete, passed away in 2018 after a long battle with diabetes. She had previously undergone a leg amputation due to the illness, which left her reliant on a wheelchair. Zolani famously used part of his London fight purse in 2015 to buy her a prosthetic leg, a gesture that highlighted his devotion to his family.
Threats and Unanswered Motives
Tengimfene alleged that Tete had been receiving threats from strangers for about two years. “We lowered our guard—like a boxer in the ring who thinks he is defending himself, only for the assassins to strike when we least expected it.”
Humility Outside the Ring
Despite his suspension in 2024, Tete remained gracious and humble. He was remembered by peers like Moruti “Babyface” Mthalane as a sharp southpaw and loyal sparring partner.
Lightning Hands, Global Respect
His 11‑second knockout of Siboniso “Tiger” Gonya in Belfast earned him a Guinness World Record. Trainers and promoters recall his work ethic, kindness and faith. “Boxing was in his blood,” said Zwi Magudulela.
Tributes From Champions
Casimero, Inoue and the WBO expressed heartbreak. Plans for his November comeback are now extinguished. Tete leaves behind 29 victories, four defeats, and a legacy far greater than numbers.
Sidebar: Other Stuff About Zolani Tete
Youngest of Four — Nicknamed “Last Born,” he was a son who used his success to help his mother and sisters.
Boxing Bloodline — Father to a son born to the daughter of legend Vuyani “The Beast” Bungu.
Guided by Masters — Trained under Mzimase Mnguni, Nick Durandt, Loyiso Mtya and Mhikiza Myekeni.
Award‑Winning Fighter — Knockout of the Year (2016), Boxer of the Year (2017), SA Sports Special Achievement Award (2018).
Breaking Barriers — First African boxer to compete in the World Boxing Super Series (2019).
Mdantsane gave the world a champion. A week later, it still mourns one of its own. TQ
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