‘He was very fit’: Family mourns Zwelethu Tekete, who died in JMPD training programme
Zwelethu Tekete, a 26-year-old JMPD trainee, died during a physical assessment. His family is demanding answers about the alleged absence of medical support at the scene.
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The family of Zwelethu Tekete, who died during the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department recruitment and selection process, said they were devastated following his untimely death.
The 26-year-old father of two collapsed and died on Monday.
His family said he was shocked at his sudden passing because he was a very fit person who visited the gym regularly.
Two people have died so far in the recruitment process, JMPD confirmed.
Spokesperson Xolani Fihla said Marvellous Michael Nyambi, 24, from Rabie Ridge, became ill due to heat exhaustion while participating in the selection programme on Thursday, August 28, at Ruimsig Stadium.
“He was immediately attended to by Emergency Management Services (EMS) personnel and was later transported to Yusuf Dadoo Hospital for further treatment,” said Fihla.
“Sadly, Mr Nyambi passed away on August 29.”
Fihla also confirmed that another trainee, Zwelethu Tekete, from Braamfischerville Phase 1, collapsed and died during the programme on Monday, September 1.
“Mr Tekete was brought into the stadium unresponsive,” said Fihla.
“EMS officers on site immediately initiated CPR, but unfortunately, their attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. Mr Tekete was declared deceased at the scene.”
Speaking to IOL News, Zwelethu’s brother, Mthetheleli Tekete, said the family was informed by JMPD patrol officers that he collapsed while running.
“We want answers about what exactly happened to him,” he said.
Post-mortem results revealed he died of natural causes.
Mthetheleli described his brother as a fit, ambitious young man who had no health issues.
“He was very fit… He went to the gym regularly and even passed similar physical assessments before - last year at the Durban Metro Police, he completed the tests without any complications,” he said.
Tekete qualified in Public Management from Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).
“He was a people’s person, someone who was always passionate about what he did. We were looking forward to him helping the family,” said Mthetheleli.
Tekete was also a model who held multiple pageant titles, including Mr Africa Continent 2021, Mr Tshwane Regions 2020, Mr TUT 2019, and was a finalist for Mr Supranational SA 2023.
He leaves behind two boys, aged seven and one.
The family will hold a prayer service in his honour on Friday, September 5, in Braamfischerville, Soweto.
He will be laid to rest on September 13 in Matatiele, Eastern Cape.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL News