### Two Johannesburg Metro Police Trainees Die During Recruitment Programme
Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) has confirmed the deaths of two young candidates who were participating in its recent recruitment and selection process. The tragic incidents occurred at the Ruimsig Stadium in Roodepoort during a rigorous physical assessment designed to test the endurance and capability of applicants hoping to become future officers.
The first casualty was **24-year-old Marvellous Michael Nyambi**, from Rabie Ridge. On **28 August**, while taking part in the demanding exercises at the stadium, Nyambi became ill from what authorities later described as heat exhaustion. Emergency management services (EMS) personnel at the venue immediately attended to him before he was rushed to Yusuf Dadoo Hospital for further medical care. Despite those efforts, Nyambi passed away the following day, **29 August**, according to metro police spokesperson **Xolani Fihla**.
Just a few days later, another tragedy struck the programme. **Zwelethu Tekete**, aged 26, from Braamfischerville Phase 1, collapsed during the assessments on **1 September**. According to Fihla, Tekete was brought into the stadium unresponsive. EMS officers initiated CPR and made several attempts to revive him, but those efforts were unsuccessful. Tekete was declared dead at the scene.
“These are devastating incidents, and our deepest condolences go to the families and friends of Nyambi and Tekete,” said Fihla.
—
#### Recruitment Process and Physical Demands
Photographs released by the metro police highlight the tough selection requirements. Candidates were seen running laps around the track, performing push-ups, and attempting to scale a training wall under the blazing sun. These exercises form part of a broader assessment intended to test stamina, discipline, and resilience before candidates are admitted into the formal training academy.
The recruitment drive is one of the largest in recent years, with **thousands of applications** received by the department. The process aims to identify **500 new trainees**, who will form the next intake scheduled to begin training in **2026**.
Once selected, successful applicants will embark on an **18-month training programme** at the metro police academy. During this period, candidates are considered trainees and will receive a stipend as part of their contractual training arrangements. Upon successful completion of the programme, they may be considered for appointment as fully fledged metro police officers.
—
#### Metro Police Response
While acknowledging the devastating loss of two lives, the department has emphasised its commitment to the safety of candidates throughout the recruitment process.
“The wellbeing and safety of all candidates and officers remain our priority,” Fihla stressed.
The spokesperson also noted that while fitness and physical readiness are key components of police training, safety protocols and medical support are always present at the trials. Both candidates received immediate assistance from EMS teams who were on standby at the stadium.
#### A Harsh Reality of Police Recruitment
The deaths of Nyambi and Tekete have drawn attention to the intense pressures faced by candidates in law enforcement recruitment. Across the world, police selection programmes are known to push applicants to their limits to ensure only those fit for the physically and mentally demanding job are selected.
In South Africa, where crime levels remain among the highest globally, the role of the metro police is particularly critical. Officers not only patrol communities and enforce traffic laws but also provide critical support during protests, high-density crime operations, and public safety emergencies. The need for resilient and well-prepared officers means the bar for entry is often set very high.
However, tragedies like those at Ruimsig Stadium highlight the delicate balance between rigorous selection and safeguarding the health of candidates.
—
#### Families Await Answers
While the metro police department has expressed condolences, the families of Nyambi and Tekete are left mourning the sudden and unexpected loss of their young sons. Both men were in their twenties, full of ambition, and had hoped to serve their communities through law enforcement careers.
No official investigations into the deaths have yet been announced by the metro police, but the incidents have raised questions about whether more could be done to adjust training methods to reduce health risks, particularly during high-temperature conditions.
—
#### The Road Ahead for JMPD
Despite the tragic setbacks, the recruitment process will continue as the department works towards its goal of training and appointing new officers in 2026. The deaths of Nyambi and Tekete serve as a sobering reminder of the risks involved in law enforcement preparation and the sacrifices made by those aspiring to wear the uniform.
For now, the focus remains on honouring their memory and supporting their grieving families. “The department extends its heartfelt condolences,” Fihla reiterated, emphasising that safety remains central to the training programme.
As the thousands of applicants continue to be processed, the metro police academy is expected to refine its recruitment procedures, ensuring that while candidates are pushed to demonstrate their resilience, their health and lives are protected as far as possible.
Follow Us on Twitter
