Edited: Two people have been arrested in connection with the murder of renown boxer, Zolani Tete, following his fatal death by a hail of bullets at NU 17, Mdantsane, in the Eastern Cape of South Africa yesterday evening, 21 August.
The suspects, aged 30 and 22, were arrested in Ku Gompo, aka East London, the SAPS announced this evening. They said the arrests follow a swift and intelligence-driven operation involving multiple law enforcement units.
The suspects are currently in custody and are being questioned in relation to the murder of Tete and attempted murder of the latter’s 27 year-old woman companion, who was wounded in the brutal attack on Tete.
According to reports, the SAPS said former IBF junior-bantamweight and WBO bantamweight world champion arrived at his residence and while waiting for the gate to open two unknown armed suspects, wearing balaclavas, emerged from a vehicle and opened fire on him and his 27-year-old woman passenger.
Trying to escape hail of bullets, the deceased drove his vehicle into the yard. But he sadly succumbed to his injuries and was declared deceased on the scene. The suspects fled the scene .
The woman passenger sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. She remains hospitalised.
Owing to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation, the SAPS said this evening they cannot disclose further info regarding the motive or the circumstances surrounding the arrests at this time. Investigators are following up on several leads, and more arrests are imminent.
The SAPS urges the public and media are urged to be cautious about speculation or of disseminating unverified info as this might compromise the investigation and the integrity of upcoming court proceedings.
The SAPS commends the team for their swift action and appeals to anyone with credible info to come forward. Information can be shared via Crime Stop at 08600 10111. All information will be treated confidentially.
The SAPS says further updates will be provided as the investigation unfolds.
See previous earlier report about Tete’s murder: https://stfrancischronicle.com/2026/08/22/boxing-champ-zolani-tete-shot-dead/
St Francis Chronicle 