Uzuzole Goqwana, 22, who uses a wheelchair, appeared before the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court on Monday 24 August 2026 as the first suspect charged with the murder of former two-time world boxing champion Zolani Tete who was shot dead outside his Mdantsane home on Friday 21 August 2026. Image: rushnews on x
The first suspect in the murder of two-time world boxing champion Zolani Tete appeared before the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court on Monday 24 August 2026. The Zolani Tete murder suspect Uzuzole Goqwana is 22 years old and uses a wheelchair. Furthermore, Goqwana faces charges of murder and attempted murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Tete outside his NU 17 home in Mdantsane on Friday 21 August 2026. As a result, four suspects are now in police custody and the investigation is moving fast.
Goqwana appeared briefly before the court on Monday. The case moved to Tuesday 25 August 2026 to allow the other three suspects to join him in the dock. Tete’s two children were in the vehicle when gunmen attacked the car at the gate of his home on Friday evening. Both children escaped unharmed. Furthermore, a 27-year-old woman travelling as a passenger sustained gunshot wounds and remains in hospital. As a result, the attempted murder charge against Goqwana relates specifically to that female passenger.
Police arrested Goqwana in KuGompo City on Saturday 22 August 2026. A 30-year-old man arrested at the same time walked free after questioning and police now consider him a potential witness. On Sunday 23 August investigators made three more arrests. Two suspects aged 27 and one aged 28 came into custody in Mdantsane and Scenery Park. Furthermore, SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed that more arrests are expected. As a result, all four remaining suspects face court together on Tuesday.
Gunmen shot Zolani Tete dead outside his home on Friday evening at approximately 18h30. He was 38 years old and had been preparing for a boxing comeback after his suspension ended in July 2026. He planned to return to the ring in November 2026. Eastern Cape boxing promoter Luyanda Kana said the boxing community had eagerly awaited his return. Furthermore, police have not disclosed a motive and cite the sensitive nature of the investigation. As a result, the circumstances surrounding his killing remain under active investigation.
Tete was one of the greatest boxers South Africa has ever produced. He won world titles in two weight divisions. In November 2017 he stopped Siboniso Gonya in just 11 seconds at a WBO bantamweight title fight in Belfast, setting a world title fight knockout record that still stands. He also held the IBF super-flyweight title earlier in his career. Furthermore, he represented South Africa at the highest levels of world boxing for more than a decade. As a result, his death devastated the South African boxing community and drew tributes from across the sport worldwide.
Boxing South Africa confirmed Tete’s funeral for Saturday 29 August 2026 in Mdantsane. The organisation is still finalising the venue and will share details once confirmed. BSA Chief Operations Officer Mandla Ntlanganiso extended condolences to the family. “Boxing South Africa extends its heartfelt condolences to the Tete family, his friends, supporters and the entire boxing fraternity during this incredibly difficult time,” Ntlanganiso said. Furthermore, tributes poured in from South African sporting figures, politicians and fans who followed Tete’s career from his early days through to his world championship reign. As a result, the 29 August funeral is expected to draw a large crowd from the boxing and Mdantsane communities.
Editors Note The law presumes all four suspects innocent until a court proves otherwise. No court has proven any of the charges. The investigation into the murder of Zolani Tete is ongoing and more arrests are expected. Mzansi Today Live will update this article as further information becomes available.