Former JMPD Chief David Tembe dies
South Africa’s law enforcement fraternity is reeling after the untimely demise of former Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) chief David Tembe, who was found deceased at his Bramley home early Tuesday morning, November 25.
According to the Department of Public Safety, Tembe collapsed at his private residence late Monday night. Emergency responders were called to the scene, but he was declared dead shortly afterward. He was 62.
Tembe, a former Chief of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and former MMC for Public Safety was found unresponsive at his private residence yesterday.
Tembe’s distinguished public service career spanned more than 40 years. He began as a paramedic with Johannesburg Emergency Medical Services in 1981, later rising through the ranks to become JMPD Chief in 2017.
He went on to serve as MMC for Public Safety between 2021 and 2023, and most recently continued offering his expertise as Strategic Advisor to the current MMC, Dr Tshwaku.
“Widely respected for his community-centred approach to policing, strong leadership and unwavering commitment to safer communities, Mr Tembe leaves a lasting legacy in Johannesburg’s ongoing efforts to combat crime and protect its residents,” says Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, the City of Johannesburg’s Public Safety MMC
“Together with the entire public safety cluster, extended heartfelt condolences to Mr Tembe’s family, friends and colleagues.”
The Department of Public Safety added that it stands united in grief and gratitude for Mr Tembe’s lifelong service to the City of Johannesburg.
The circumstances surrounding his death remain sketchy.
