The sudden death of 26-year-old Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) trainee, Zwelethu Tekete, has left his family devastated and searching for answers. The young father of two collapsed during the department’s recruitment and selection process this week, raising serious questions about the medical support available to candidates during the physically demanding programme.
Tekete, from Braamfischerville Phase 1 in Soweto, died on Monday, September 1, during a physical assessment exercise at Ruimsig Stadium. According to JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla, he was brought into the stadium unresponsive. Emergency Management Services (EMS) officials immediately attempted CPR, but despite their efforts, he was declared dead on the scene.
His family, however, is struggling to come to terms with the tragedy. Speaking to IOL News, his brother, Mthetheleli Tekete, said the family was notified by JMPD patrol officers that Zwelethu collapsed while running. “We want answers about what exactly happened to him,” he said, noting that the family had been left shocked by his sudden passing.
Post-mortem results later revealed that Tekete had died of natural causes, though his relatives have expressed doubt, pointing out that he was a very fit young man with no history of health issues. “He was very fit… he went to the gym regularly and even passed similar physical assessments before,” Mthetheleli explained. “Last year, at the Durban Metro Police, he completed the tests without any complications.”
Tekete’s death comes just days after another JMPD trainee, 24-year-old Marvellous Michael Nyambi from Rabie Ridge, also lost his life during the same recruitment process. Nyambi reportedly fell ill due to heat exhaustion on Thursday, August 28, and was rushed to Yusuf Dadoo Hospital for treatment. Sadly, he died the following day. JMPD has since confirmed both fatalities, sparking concern about the rigorous training conditions and whether adequate medical support is being provided during the programme.
Beyond the tragedy, Tekete’s family and friends are remembering him as a man full of promise and ambition. A graduate of Public Management from Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), he was described as a people’s person who was passionate about helping others. “He was someone who always pushed himself and wanted to succeed,” his brother said. “We were looking forward to him helping the family.”
In addition to his academic and professional pursuits, Tekete was also well-known in the modelling industry. He held several pageant titles, including Mr Africa Continent 2021, Mr Tshwane Regions 2020, Mr TUT 2019, and he was a finalist in the Mr Supranational SA competition in 2023. His achievements earned him respect and admiration beyond his immediate community.
Tekete leaves behind two young sons, aged seven and one. To honour his memory, the family will hold a prayer service on Friday, September 5, in Braamfischerville, Soweto. He will be laid to rest on September 13 in Matatiele, Eastern Cape.
As the family prepares for his final farewell, their grief is compounded by unanswered questions about how a healthy, vibrant young man could lose his life in what was meant to be the start of a promising career. For them, accountability from JMPD remains crucial, not only to bring closure but also to ensure no other family endures such a loss in the future.
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