Two aspiring cops die during fitness test

Two trainee candidates collapsed and died while participating in Johannesburg Metro police department (JMPD) recruitment and selection programme.

The aspiring recruit were part of a group doing fitness test, which is part of the physical evaluation for all prospective police officers.

In an interview with the publication JMPD spokesperson,  Xolani Fihla, said Marvellous Michael Nyambi, 24, from Rabie Ridge, was participating in the selection program on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at the Ruimsig Stadium when he became ill from heat exhaustion. 

“He was immediately attended to by Emergency Management Services personnel and was later transported to Yusuf Dadoo Hospital for further treatment”, said Fihla.

Nyambi passed away on Friday, August 29, 2025.

The other candidate was Zwelethu Tekete, 26, from Braamfisherville Phase 1, was also a candidate in the same program. “On Monday, September 1, 2025, during the recruitment process at the stadium, he was brought into the stadium unresponsive. Emergency Management Services (EMS) officers on site immediately initiated CPR, but unfortunately, their attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.”

Tekete was declared deceased at the scene. The assessment involves physical evaluation to test the suitability of potential candidates.

Fihla extended condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of  Nyambi and Tekete, adding that “the well-being and safety of all candidates and officers remain our top priority.”