Mdantsane – Police have charged one suspect with murder and attempted murder and arrested another as the investigation into the fatal shooting of former world boxing champion Zolani Tete in Mdantsane continues.
Tete was fatally shot at NU 17 in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, on Friday, 21 August 2026.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said two people were initially apprehended in Ku Gompo on Saturday, 22 August, as detectives followed leads in the case.
One of the suspects, a 22-year-old man, has since been formally charged with murder and attempted murder.
“Following the apprehension of two persons of interest in Ku Gompo on Saturday, 22 August 2026, one of them; a 22-year-old male; has since been formally charged with murder and attempted murder,” SAPS said in a statement.
Four suspects are now in police custody in connection with the murder of former boxing champion Zolani Tete on Friday. Tune in to #eNCA on #DStv403. pic.twitter.com/G4Jb53jlzH
— eNCA (@eNCA) August 24, 2026
The attempted murder charge relates to a 27-year-old woman who was travelling as a passenger during the attack and was wounded.
“The attempted murder charge relates to the 27-year-old female passenger who was wounded in the attack and remains hospitalised,” police said.
The 22-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 24 August 2026.
Second suspect released
The second man apprehended during Saturday’s operation, a 30-year-old, has been released from custody after police found there were insufficient grounds to keep him detained.
“The second individual, a 30-year-old male who was apprehended alongside him, has been released from custody as no sufficient grounds existed to hold him further at this stage,” SAPS said.
Police said the man remains a potential witness while investigations continue.
A further 22-year-old man has since been arrested in Ku Gompo City.
VIDEO | Community members from Mdantsane are picketing outside the Magistrate’s court, where a 22-year-old suspect is expected to appear in connection with the murder of Eastern Cape boxer Zolani Tete. Credit: Hlumisa Qabaka pic.twitter.com/eNjKcTXAI0
— SABC News (@SABCNews) August 24, 2026
“He is expected to appear before the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court on 25 August 2026. His role in the matter is currently under investigation,” SAPS said.
Police said more arrests could follow as investigators continue pursuing leads and establishing the circumstances surrounding Tete’s killing.
“More arrests are expected as the investigation unfolds, and police are continuing to follow up on leads,” the statement said.
Tete, who enjoyed a successful professional boxing career and represented South Africa at the highest level, was killed just days ago, prompting widespread reaction in the country’s sporting community.
[WATCH] One of the four suspects arrested in the murder of former world boxing champion Zolani Tete is expected to appear in the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court today. Police arrested the first suspect, a 22-year-old man, on Saturday in Mdantsane. Three others were nabbed yesterday… pic.twitter.com/w4FhVDBxXP
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) August 24, 2026
Police have urged the public and media not to speculate about the case or circulate unverified information.
“Due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation, the SAPS is unable to disclose further details at this time,” police said.
“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 court proceedings.”
SAPS appealed to anyone with credible information about the shooting to contact Inyibiba SAPS or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
“All information will be treated confidentially,” police said.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
