By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
A 22-year-old, wheelchair bound, Uzuzole Goqwana appeared at the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court accused of the murder of two-time world boxing champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete.
Tete (38) was shot in a car outside his home in Mdantsane on Friday, 21 August 2026.
He was in his car waiting for the gate to his house to open when two armed suspects in balaclavas emerged from a vehicle and fired “multiple shots” at him and a 27‑year‑old female passenger.
Fullview understands the shooting was an act of revenge after an alleged mastermind was allegedly having an affair with Tete’s wife. Upon discovering the affair, Tete reportedly shot the man, leaving him permanently paralyzed.
It has since emerged that he allegedly hired the hit on Tete.
However South Africa Police Services (SAPS) are yet to confirm motive behind the attack.
State Prosecutor, Tango Phangalele said Goqwana faces charges of murder, premeditated murder, and the attempted murder of Tete’s 27-year-old girlfriend who still hospitalised and was a passenger.
Phangalele said based on the seriousness of the charges, the state would be opposing bail as this is a Schedule six matter, saying Goqwana might also tamper with evidence.
He also expressed fear for the suspect’s life, saying he is safer in the police custody.
His defence lawyer argued that Goqwana could not stay behind bars given his medical condition and should be considered suitable for bail.
The magistrate ordered that Goqwana would be transferred to the medical side of the Westbank prison, where he will spend the night before appearing for a formal bail application on Tuesday, 25 August 2026.
Thus far our people have been arrested in connection with the murder of Tete.
One of the men being held, a 22-year-old, Goqwana who was arrested on Saturday, and the remaining suspects, were arrested on Sunday, are due to appear in court on Tuesday. It is still unclear that they will appear all at once.
Three have been charged with unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. It is unclear whether they will also be charged with murder and attempted murder.
The Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane visited Tete family.
He expressed his condolences, saying this occurrence was devastating, not just for the Eastern Cape and South Africa, but for the world too.
“It was quite satisfying to see the whole world giving that moment for him over the weekend in sporting matches. It’s a very sad story, a tragic one.”
The Premier said the consolation is that “the suspects have been found, including the suspected hitman,” saying he hopes everything will go well so that Tete’s family may close find closure.
Tete held the WBO bantamweight title from 2017 to 2019, as well as the IBF super-flyweight title in 2014. He was later given a four-year ban, which lapsed in July this year.
Tributes have been pouring in for the two-time world champion since his death. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie said: “South Africa has lost one of the finest fighters it has ever produced.”
Former Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula also paid tribute to Tete, lamenting the loss of a “a great South African who has made an immense contribution in the sport of boxing”.
Tete beat Liverpool’s Paul Butler in 2015 in one of the eight times he fought in the United Kingdom.
He also holds a Guinness World Record for the fastest knockout in a title fight, ending his match with Siboniso Gonya inside 11 seconds in 2017.
Tete last fought in July 2022, beating Briton Jason Cunningham by knockout In London, but it was later ruled a no-contest after he failed a drugs test.
Meanwhile South African boxing star and two-time IBF Light-Flyweight World Champion Sivenathi “Special One” Nontshinga has been involved in a serious motor vehicle crash on Malibongwe Drive in Johannesburg.
The 27-year-old Eastern Cape-born boxer, who rose from Newlands near Mdantsane to become one of South Africa’s standout fighters in the lighter weight divisions, was preparing for a high-stakes IBF world title eliminator against Filipino rival Regie Suganob.
His departure for the Philippines was scheduled for 4 September, with the bout expected around mid-September.
Nontshinga previously defeated Suganob by unanimous decision in July 2023 while making the first defence of his IBF title. A win in the rematch would position him for a potential third reign as world champion a historic first for a South African in the division.
Further details on the circumstances of the crash and Nontshinga’s condition have not yet been released.