The alleged mastermind in the murder of former world boxing champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete has claimed the late fighter was responsible for leaving him paraplegic and wheelchair-bound.
Twenty-two-year-old Uzuzole Goqwana made the assertion in an affidavit read by his legal representative in the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 1 September 2026. Goqwana is applying for bail alongside his co-accused, Sinebhongo Gase (also referred to as Sinebongo Qase). The pair face eight murder-related charges linked to Tete’s killing.
According to the affidavit, Goqwana alleged that Tete threatened him with a firearm after discovering he was in a romantic relationship with the boxer’s estranged wife. He further claimed this confrontation led to the injuries that left him confined to a wheelchair.
Tete, 38, a two-time world champion who held the IBF super-flyweight and WBO bantamweight titles, was fatally shot outside his home in NU17, Mdantsane, on the evening of 21 August 2026. He was waiting for his gate to open when gunmen opened fire. His 27-year-old girlfriend, who was in the vehicle with him, was wounded in the attack and hospitalised. Tete’s two children, also in the car, were unharmed.
Police arrested Goqwana the following day. Two alleged hitmen, Siphesihle Kolisa (28) and Athandwa Gangala (27), and alleged middleman Gase were subsequently detained. Firearms and ammunition were recovered during the arrest of the two alleged gunmen in Scenery Park. Kolisa and Gangala have since abandoned their bail applications.
The National Prosecuting Authority has described the killing as premeditated and falling under Schedule 6 of the Criminal Procedure Act. Prosecutors have indicated they will vigorously oppose bail for Goqwana and Gase.
Goqwana, who requires significant assistance due to his medical condition, previously applied unsuccessfully to be held in a hospital facility rather than prison while awaiting the bail hearing.
The matter remains before the court.