FOUR MEN APPEAR IN COURT FOR THE MURDER OF BOXER ZOLANI TETE

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the swift progress made in the investigation into the murder of renowned South African boxer, Zolani Tete, following the appearance of four accused in the Mdantsane Magistrates' Court in connection with his killing and the attempted murder of his girlfriend.

Alleged hitmen Siphesihle Kolisa (28) and Athandwa Gangala (27), as well as alleged middleman Sinebongo Qase (28), were joined in court by alleged mastermind Uzuzole Goqwana (22), who made his first appearance on Monday, 24 August 2026.

Tete was fatally shot at NU17, Mdantsane, on 21 August 2026. Police made a significant breakthrough in the case with the arrest of Goqwana on Saturday, 22 August 2026.

Kolisa and Gangala were arrested the following day in the township of Scenery Park, situated in KuGompo City. During their arrest, police recovered firearms and ammunition. The pair appeared in the KuGompo Magistrates' Court on Monday, 24 August 2026, on charges relating to the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

Qase was arrested on Monday, 24 August 2026, making him the fourth accused in the matter. He and Goqwana are expected to return to the Mdantsane Magistrates' Court on 01 September 2026 for their formal bail application.

The State alleges that the murder was premeditated and that the matter falls under the ambit of Schedule 6 of the Criminal Procedure Act. Given the seriousness of the charges, the prosecution will vigorously oppose the granting of bail.

The formal bail application has been postponed to 01 September 2026. Kolisa and Gangala have since abandoned their bail applications.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali

Regional Spokesperson, Eastern Cape

National Prosecuting Authority