Four men have been arrested in connection with the murder of Zolani "Last Born" Tete, the 38-year-old two-division world champion boxer who was shot and killed outside his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape on August 21.
The arrests took place over the weekend, with the first suspect being apprehended at King Phalo Airport, allegedly attempting to board a flight. Three more suspects were arrested in Mdantsane and Scenery Park on Sunday, bringing the total number of men in custody to four. A 30-year-old man who was initially taken in on Saturday has been released and is now considered a witness.
The 22-year-old suspect, identified as Uzu Kuwana, has been formally charged with murder and attempted murder. The state opposed bail, and the case has been postponed until Tuesday, August 25. Two of the three suspects arrested on Sunday face charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, although these details are yet to be confirmed.
Tete, a native of Mdantsane, was a highly decorated boxer with a professional record of 29 wins, 4 losses, and 22 knockouts. He was best known for his 11-second knockout of Siboniso Gonya in 2017, a record that still stands today. Tete had just come off a four-year doping suspension that expired in July and was preparing a comeback to the sport.
The motive behind the murder remains unclear, with police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana stating that more arrests are expected as investigators follow up on leads. The case is set to begin on August 25, with the next appearance scheduled for the Mdantsane Magistrate's Court.
Tete's death sent shockwaves through the boxing community, with South Africa's sports minister Gayton McKenzie confirming his passing. The 27-year-old woman who was shot multiple times during the incident remains hospitalized.
The case against the four suspects is ongoing, with the next appearance scheduled for the Mdantsane Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, August 25.
Source: Yahoo Sports