Will the JMPD be Held Accountable for the Deaths of Two Trainees?
Marvellous Michael Nyambi and Zwelethu Tekete were two trainees who died during the JMPD recruitment fitness test held at Ruimsig Stadium on August 28, 2025.
In a statement released by the JMPD, they said: “Marvellous Nyambi, who was 24, became ill from heat exhaustion. He was immediately attended to by Emergency Services personnel and was later transported to Yusuf Dadoo Hospital. Nyambi passed away on Friday, August 29, 2025.” The statement continued, “During the recruitment process at the stadium, Zwelethu Tekete was brought in unresponsive and was declared deceased on the scene.”
The physical exercises performed by the candidates were as follows:
5 km Run: Males were required to complete this in 35 minutes, and females in 40 minutes.
Push-ups: 30 push-ups in one minute for males and 25 for females.
Sit-ups: 35 sit-ups in one minute for males and 30 for females.
1.8-meter Wall Jump: Candidates were given two attempts to clear the wall.
According to the JMPD, all candidates were required to bring their own medical certificates. Guardian Report asked to have access to the two deceased men’s medical records to see if they had chronic conditions that could have caused complications. The JMPD refused, citing the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA): “We cannot share the medical certificates of the late trainee candidates, Marvellous Michael Nyambi and Zwelethu Tekete, unless requested by the investigators (SAPS) or the court.”
The JMPD’s statement says Marvellous became ill from heat exhaustion. However, the weather forecast for August 28, 2025, at Ruimsig Stadium was 25 degrees Celsius with a passing cloud and 19% humidity. This combination of conditions is not typically considered hot or humid enough for the body to struggle with its cooling mechanisms. The risk of heat exhaustion is higher when heat and humidity combine to create a high heat index, which is generally considered to be 33 degrees Celsius or higher.
When Guardian Report asked JMPD Spokesperson Xolani Fihla whether they check the authenticity of the medical certificates, he said: “The JMPD does not independently check for the authenticity of these medical certificates. We rely on the good faith and professional integrity of the medical practitioners who issue them.”
Innocent Moloi, a Civil Rights Consultant from Lebona Moloi Consulting, stated, “It is the responsibility of the JMPD to check the authenticity of the medical certificate, but the process isn’t automatic; it requires time.”
Mr. Fihla said: “We cannot definitively state whether the JMPD will be held responsible for the deaths of the two candidates. This determination will be made following the completion of a full investigation. We are cooperating with all relevant authorities and will rely on the official medical report from the pathologist to understand the definitive cause of death. Our responsibility in the process is to ensure that all safety measures are in place and that we respond appropriately to any incidents.”
The JMPD also confirmed that they had comprehensive medical coverage during the recruitment program, including:
Advanced Life Support personnel from the City of Johannesburg’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) stationed at the start and end points of the run.
Roaming EMS vehicles.
A fully-equipped medical setup inside the stadium.
Ambulance services on standby for emergencies.