The Joburg Metro Police Fitness Test has come under intense scrutiny after two candidates died during recent assessments. The incident occurred during a large-scale recruitment drive aiming to select trainees for the 2026 intake.
Fitness Assessments Turn Fatal During Recruitment Phase
Thousands of hopeful candidates participated in the physical assessments, which took place at the Ruimsig Stadium in late August and early September. Tragically, two young men, Marvellous Michael Nyambi (24) and Zwelethu Tekete (26), lost their lives during these rigorous tests.
Nyambi, from Rabie Ridge, collapsed on August 28 after showing signs of heat exhaustion. Emergency medical services (EMS) treated him on-site before transporting him to Yusuf Dadoo Hospital, where he died the following day.
Read more: Mozambican Who Raped and Murdered 6-Year-Old in Soweto Gets Life Sentence for full details on the court’s ruling and sentencing.
Tekete, from Braamfischerville, was found unresponsive on September 1. EMS officers attempted CPR but were unable to revive him. He was declared dead at the scene.
Metro Police Respond to the Incident
Spokesperson for the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), Xolani Fihla, confirmed both fatalities.
“Nyambi passed away on August 29. EMS officers attempted to revive Tekete, but were unsuccessful,” said Fihla.
He extended condolences to the families and stressed the department’s commitment to candidate safety.
“The wellbeing and safety of all candidates and officers remain our priority,” he added.
Joburg Metro Police Fitness Test Draws Safety Concerns
The Joburg Metro Police Fitness Test includes high-intensity physical tasks such as running, push-ups and scaling walls. Although EMS support was present, the deaths have raised concerns about heat management, medical preparedness, and risk assessments during recruitment.
JMPD Aims to Recruit 500 Trainees for 2026
The recruitment drive aims to fill 500 positions from thousands of applicants. Those who pass the fitness tests enter an 18-month paid training programme at the Metro Police Academy. Upon successful completion, candidates may be appointed as full officers.
Community Reactions and Future Measures
While no official investigation has been announced, calls for procedural reviews are expected. Community members and safety analysts argue that extreme fitness expectations during South Africa’s warmer months could lead to avoidable tragedies.
Also read: Two Pedestrians Killed While Trying to Cross The R21 for more on the tragic incident and road safety concerns.
Honour Their Memory, Improve the Process
As the JMPD prepares for its next intake, there is growing pressure to re-evaluate recruitment safety standards. Ensuring candidates are medically fit and well-monitored during physical trials is no longer just a guideline—it’s a necessity
