David Tembe, former JMPD chief, found dead at his home
The former chief of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, David Tembe, passed away.
Image: Timothy Bernard/ African News Agency (ANA)
David Tembe, the former head of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), passed away on Sunday after being discovered "unresponsive" at his private residence.
It is still unknown what caused his death.
Tembe was acting as a strategic advisor to Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku, a member of the City of Johannesburg's Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Safety.
Tshwaku’s office confirmed his death to IOL News on Monday morning, November 25
“We can confirm that Mr Tembe has passed away after he was found dead at his home in the early hours of this morning,” Tshwaku’s spokesperson, Alex Mandlazi, said.
He added that the City was awaiting post-mortem results to determine the cause of death, and that the family was being given time to process the news.
“We will provide a detailed update afterwards,” he said.
Mandlazi said that Tembe had been working in the MMC’s office at the time of his death.
“He previously served as JMPD chief, was a former head of department for Public Safety, former chief of the national traffic police, and former MMC for Public Safety. He was currently working as a strategic adviser to the MMC,” he said.
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said police had not yet been informed of the incident.
JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla confirmed the department had received reports of Tembe’s death, confirming that he was no longer employed by JMPD but by the MMC’s office.
In a statement issued later on Monday, Tshwaku expressed deep sadness over Tembe’s passing.
“It is with profound sadness that the City of Johannesburg Department of Public Safety announces the passing of Mr David Tembe, Strategic Adviser to the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety,” he said.
Tembe was found unresponsive at his residence on Sunday. Emergency services responded, but he was declared dead at the scene.
A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
Tembe’s public safety career spanned more than four decades.
Former JMPD chief David Tembe, has died after being found dead at his home.
Image: X
He began in 1981 as a paramedic with Johannesburg Emergency Medical Services, later rising to become JMPD chief in 2017.
He served as MMC for Public Safety from 2021 to 2023 before returning to an advisory role.
“Renowned for his community-centred approach to policing, his unwavering commitment to officer welfare, and his relentless pursuit of safer streets, Mr Tembe leaves an enduring legacy in the City’s ongoing fight against crime,” Tshwaku said.
He extended condolences to Tembe’s family, friends and former colleagues.
Funeral and memorial arrangements will be announced in due course, Tshwaku added.
IOL News