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Former World Champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete has been shot and killed.
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Date & Time: This incident occurred on the evening of Saturday, August 21, 2026.
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Location: The shooting took place in front of his house in NU17, Mdantsane.
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Circumstances: Tete was reportedly returning from the gym when he was ambushed and shot dead.
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Reactions: Tributes and shock have poured in, with mourners questioning the rising violence in the country (e.g., “Yini Nombanjana, yini Last Born mfowethu! Our country, what’s happening madoda????”).
Career Timeline of Zolani “Last Born” Tete
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2012: Wins the South African bantamweight title.
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2013: Claims the WBO International bantamweight title.
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2016: Captures the WBO Interim bantamweight title.
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2017: Promoted to full WBO bantamweight world champion.
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2018: Makes a successful title defense and becomes the mandatory challenger for the WBSS (World Boxing Super Series).
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2019: Loses his WBO title on the scales (weigh-in failure) prior to a scheduled defense against John Riel Casimero; the fight proceeds but the title is vacated.
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2020–2022: Continues competing in the super-bantamweight division, seeking another world title shot.
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2023–2026: Remains an active veteran in the sport, mentoring younger fighters in the Eastern Cape until his tragic death in 2026.
