Call for urgent meeting following deaths of two JMPD trainee candidates

The Johannesburg Metropolice Police Department (JMPD) has denied claims made by the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg, accusing the department of failing to ensure the safety of its two trainees, who recently died after undergoing intensive training.

This comes after the DA in Johannesburg said it has written to the MMC for Public Safety, Cllr Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the circumstances that led to the deaths of two trainee candidates.

It is reported that the two recruits died following a JMPD physical fitness assessment session on Thursday, August 28.

The two trainee candidates, Michael Nyambi (24) of Rabie Ridge and Zwelethu Tekete (26) of Braamfischerville, were part of the JMPD’s training process of recruiting and selecting 500 metropolitan police officers for the 2025/2026 financial year.

According to JMPD spokesperson, Xolani Fihla, Nyambi died on the 29th of August after becoming ill from heat exhaustion after taking part in a fitness regime, while Tekete died on Monday, 1 September.

As a result of these deaths, DA councillor Solomon Maila, indicated that the party has given Tshwaku until Friday, September 19, to make the meeting happen.

"As per our communication to the MMC, this meeting should take place no later than Friday, 19 September 2025. An investigation into their deaths, and more so, into what seems to be a flawed recruitment process must be undertaken urgently," Maila stated.

Maila stated that the party has learnt from sources that there was no provision made for an ambulance, resulting in patients having to wait for more than two hours before getting medical attention.

"The whistleblowers who spoke to the DA on condition of anonymity also informed us that, among other things, no provision was made for an ambulance at the training where the recruits collapsed. According to the whistleblowers, the ambulance that was called took two hours to arrive. It is also alleged that the JMPD trainers who were responsible for the fitness assessment are not qualified to conduct these assessments," said Maila.

However, Fihla, in a statement said: “Marvellous Michael Yambi, 24, from Rabie Ridge, was participating in the selection program on Thursday, August 28, at the Ruimsig stadium, when he became ill from heat exhaustion. He was immediately attended to by emergency management services personnel. He was later transported to Yusuf Dadoo Hospital for further treatment. Sadly, Mr Nyambi passed away on Friday, August 29.”

“Zwelethu Tekete, 26, from Braamfischerville phase 1, was also a candidate in the same program. On Monday, September 1, during the recruitment process at the stadium, he was brought into the stadium unresponsive. Emergency management services officers on site immediately initiated CPR, but unfortunately, their attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. Mr Tekete was declared deceased at the scene,” said Fihla.

IOL has reported that Tekete's family said they were devastated following his untimely death. 

Reacting to this allegation, Fihla said the JMPD recruitment process prioritises and takes the necessary precautions to ensure the safety and wellness of its trainees.

"Our recruitment process is designed with the health and safety of our candidates as a top priority. Advanced Life Support personnel from the City of Johannesburg's Emergency Management Services (EMS) are stationed at both the start and end points of the 5km run. In addition, we have roaming EMS vehicles and a full medical setup inside the stadium to provide comprehensive medical coverage. An ambulance is requested in case of any emergency, ensuring that there is no delay in medical assistance."

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za