Two Young Trainee Candidates Die During Strenuous JMPD Recruitment Programme
Two young men have died while participating in the Johannesburg Metro Police Department’s (JMPD) physically demanding recruitment programme.
The fatalities occurred as the department processed thousands of applicants competing for 500 trainee positions for the 2026 intake.
Also Read: Police Launch Manhunt For Four Suspects In Gauteng Attorney Assassination
Heat Exhaustion Claims First Candidate
The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) has confirmed the deaths of two young men during its physically demanding recruitment process.
The first tragedy occurred on August 28 at Ruimsig Stadium, where 24-year-old Marvellous Michael Nyambi from Rabie Ridge collapsed due to heat exhaustion while undergoing the selection programme.
“He was immediately attended to by Emergency Management Services (EMS) personnel and was later transported to Yusuf Dadoo Hospital for further treatment. “Sadly, Mr Nyambi passed away on August 29,” JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said.
Second Candidate Collapses Days Later
In a separate incident on September 1, 26-year-old Zwelethu Tekete from Braamfischerville Phase 1 was found unresponsive at the same venue.
“Mr Tekete was brought into the stadium unresponsive. EMS officers on site immediately initiated CPR, but unfortunately, their attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. Mr Tekete was declared deceased at the scene,” Fihla confirmed.
JMPD Sends Condolences
Fihla expressed the department’s condolences to the families and friends of both men, stressing that the wellbeing of candidates remained central to the recruitment programme.
“The wellbeing and safety of all candidates and officers remain our priority,” he stated.
Social Media Reacts
@SbuMpungose;
OMG so young, and a father leaving two babies behind. May he RIP and his heartbroken family be comforted.
@JonathanViceroy;
Most likely an unknown underlying condition, or for those conspiracists maybe the vax.
@MrOdiLos;
Eish… Rest easy young Man.
@Olivia_LaGrange;
Seriously we need to know what happened here guys.
This is unacceptable and so heartbreaking!!!!!
@brony_baby_boo;
There are three sides to a story, his side, their side and the truth. I know of a lot of people who pays for medicals, because when applying you have to take a medical report that you are fit. So what did his medical report say??? Was a true one or….…