Harrowing new details have come to light in the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court, where the State is vehemently opposing bail for two men accused of masterminding the assassination of former two-division world boxing champion Zolani Tete.
Tete was ambushed and shot dead outside his home in the Eastern Cape. During court proceedings, prosecutors revealed that three children were trapped inside the vehicle during the attack, including a terrified eight-year-old who remained inside as gunmen opened fire at close range.
According to the State, the killing was a meticulously planned operation executed by hired hitmen through an alleged middleman. While police have successfully arrested two alleged gunmen and recovered several firearms, a manhunt remains underway for the driver of the getaway vehicle.
Prosecutors have painted one of the alleged masterminds, Uzozole Goqwana, as a dangerous and well-connected figure, warning the court that his release on bail poses a severe threat of witness tampering.
Goqwana and co-accused Sinebongo Qase face a string of eight heavy charges, which include murder, premeditated murder, attempted murder, and the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The bail hearing continues as authorities press forward with the high-profile investigation.