Buffalo City Metro News

18/09/2026

BCMM WELCOMES COURT DECISION TO DENY BAIL IN ZOLANI TETE MURDER CASE

Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality welcomes the decision by the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court to deny bail to the accused persons facing charges in connection with the murder of former two-time world boxing champion and Mdantsane-born son, Zolani “Last Born” Tete.

The Municipality respects the independence of the judiciary and recognises that the matter remains before the courts.

The accused persons remain innocent until proven guilty, and the full merits of the case must be tested through due legal process.

The decision is nevertheless an important development in a case that has deeply affected the Tete family, the Mdantsane community, the boxing fraternity and residents across Buffalo City.

Tete’s death robbed the Metro of a celebrated sporting ambassador whose achievements brought pride to Mdantsane, Buffalo City and South Africa.

Executive Mayor Cllr Princess Faku said the Municipality shares the community’s desire for justice while calling for calm and respect for the legal process.

“We welcome the court’s decision and, above all, we respect the judicial process. Our thoughts remain with the Tete family, who continue to carry the pain of losing their loved one in such tragic circumstances.

“Zolani Tete was more than a champion in the boxing ring. He was a son of Mdantsane and a son of Buffalo City who carried the name of our city with distinction. His death has affected many people, and we understand the deep emotions surrounding this case.

“We must, however, allow the law to take its course. Justice must be pursued through our courts, and we must respect the rights of every person before the court while ensuring that the interests of victims, their families and the broader community are not forgotten.”

Mayor Faku further welcomed the work of the South African Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority in bringing the matter before the courts.

The Municipality extends its continued condolences and support to the Tete family and wishes the injured victim in the shooting a full recovery.

BCMM will continue to respect the judicial process and will not comment on the merits of the evidence while the matter is before court.

Issued by: BCMM Communications
Email: [email protected]

03/09/2026

25/08/2026

24/08/2026

Honourable Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Executive Mayor Cllr Princess Faku visit Tete family today at 11am

22/08/2026

*MEDIA STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER EASTERN CAPE*

*SAPS ARRESTS TWO PERSONS OF INTEREST IN ZOLANI TETE MURDER, WARNS MORE ARRESTS IMMINENT*

*ZWELITSHA: 22 AUGUST 2026* :Two persons of interest have been apprehended in connection with the murder of well-known boxer Zolani Tete, who was fatally shot at NU 17, Mdantsane, on 21 August 2026.

The individuals aged 30 and 22 were apprehended in Ku Gompo on Saturday, 22 August 2026, following a swift and intelligence-driven operation involving multiple law enforcement units. They are currently in custody and are being questioned in relation to the murder and attempted murder relating to the 27-year-old female passenger who was wounded in the attack.

Due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation, the SAPS is unable to disclose further details regarding the motive or the circumstances surrounding the arrests at this time. Investigators are following up on several leads, and more arrests are imminent.

We caution the public and the media against speculation or the dissemination of unverified information, as this may compromise the investigation and the integrity of the upcoming court proceedings.

The SAPS commends the team for their swift action and appeals to anyone with credible information to come forward. Information can be shared via Inyibiba SACrime Stop at 08600 10111. All information will be treated confidentially.

Further updates will be provided as the investigation unfolds.

21/08/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA STATEMENT BY BOXING SOUTH AFRICA

DATE: 21 August 2026

PASSING OF FORMER TWO-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION, ZOLANI "LAST BORN" TETE

Boxing South Africa (BSA) has learnt with profound shock and sadness of the untimely passing of former IBF Junior Bantamweight and WBO Bantamweight World Champion, Zolani "Last Born" Tete.

The tragic incident reportedly occurred on the evening of Friday, 21 August 2026, in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Tete family, his manager Mlandeli Tengimfene, the All Winners Boxing Club, and Last Born Boxing Promotions during this incredibly difficult time .

Zolani Tete was more than a champion. He was an icon of South African boxing. A product of the famed All Winners Mdantsane boxing stable.

He etched his name in history as one of the country's few two-weight world champions . His achievements in the ring from winning the IBF junior-bantamweight title in Japan in 2014 to claiming the WBO bantamweight crown, inspired a generation of fighters . His legacy includes holding the record for the fastest world title defence in boxing history, needing just 11 seconds to stop Siboniso Gonya in 2017 .

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire boxing fraternity. The sport has lost a true warrior and ambassador.

Further details regarding official tributes and memorial arrangements will be shared upon engagement with the Tete family. We kindly request that the family's privacy be respected during this period of mourning.

Issued by: Boxing South Africa

For media enquiries:
Mandla Ntlanganiso COO-Boxing SA
Mobile: 066 124 1438

21/08/2026

BUFFALO CITY MOURNS THE PASSING OF BOXING CHAMPION ZOLANI TETE:

The Executive Mayor of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Councillor Princess Faku, has expressed her deepest condolences to the family, friends, boxing fraternity and the people of Buffalo City following the tragic passing of Mdantsane-born boxing champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete.

Tete, a former two-weight world champion, was reportedly shot and killed in Mdantsane on Friday evening. He was 38.

Police have opened a murder investigation.

Mayor Faku said the shocking news had left Buffalo City Metro devastated.

“This evening, Buffalo City has lost not only a champion in the boxing ring, but one of our own sons who carried the name of our city with pride onto the international stage.

“Zolani Tete was a symbol of determination, discipline, resilience and excellence.

“We are deeply saddened that a life that gave so much inspiration to our communities has been cut short in such a tragic manner. There are no words adequate enough to express our pain.”

Mayor Faku said Tete’s contribution to boxing and his place in Buffalo City’s sporting history would never be forgotten.

“To the people of Buffalo City, let us remember Zolani not only for the tragic circumstances of his passing, but for the champion he was, the records he set and the pride he brought to Mdantsane, Buffalo City, the Eastern Cape and South Africa.

“His achievements inspired a generation of young people to believe in themselves and to pursue their dreams regardless of where they come from. His legacy belongs not only to his family and the boxing fraternity, but to the entire city that proudly called him one of its own.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, fellow boxers, coaches and supporters during this incredibly difficult time. We pray that they find strength and comfort as they mourn this enormous loss.”

Mayor Faku strongly condemned the violence that claimed Tete’s life and called for justice.

“As a city, we condemn this senseless violence. We call on law-enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in bringing those responsible to justice. The people of Buffalo City deserve to live in communities where human life is respected and protected.

“May his legacy continue to inspire the next generation of champions from Mdantsane and Buffalo City. Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality will remember you.”

Issued by:
BCMM Communications
Email: [email protected]

03/02/2026