The bail application of two men accused of the brutal murder of former world boxing champion Zolani “Lastborn” Tete has been postponed to Monday, 7 September 2026, in the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court, after the defence requested additional time to complete its cross-examination of the investigating officer. The two suspects, whose identities have not yet been publicly released pending the formalisation of charges, are facing murder charges in connection with the killing of the beloved sportsman.
Tete, a former WBO bantamweight champion, was shot and killed in what police believe was a targeted attack outside his home in the Eastern Cape earlier this year, sending shockwaves through the boxing community and the broader public. His death was widely mourned, with tributes pouring in from across the sporting world.
During Wednesday’s court proceedings, the defence team, led by prominent attorney Thabo Mokoena, pressed Investigating Officer Nkululeko Mtati on the procedural aspects of the investigation, including the handling of forensic evidence and the circumstances surrounding the arrest of the two suspects. The State has opposed bail, arguing that the accused pose a flight risk and may attempt to interfere with witnesses if released.
Magistrate Noluthando Mbeki granted the postponement to ensure that the cross-examination is completed without rushing, emphasising the importance of a thorough and fair bail hearing. The State is expected to continue presenting its case against the accused, while the defence will likely argue for bail on the grounds that the suspects are not a flight risk and have stable addresses.
As the boxing fraternity and the Tete family await justice, the postponement adds another layer of uncertainty to a case that has already gripped the nation. The court will reconvene on Monday, when the fate of the two accused—at least in the interim—will be decided.
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