Tributes are pouring in for former Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Chief, David Tembe, who passed away on Tuesday.
Tembe was found unresponsive at his private residence and emergency services were unable to revive him.
The City of Johannesburg’s Department of Public Safety confirmed his death, stating that a post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the exact cause.
Renowned for his community-focused policing and his commitment to safer streets, Tembe has been remembered as a respected leader in Johannesburg’s fight against crime.
His public service career spanned more than 40 years. He began as a paramedic with Johannesburg Emergency Medical Services in 1981 before rising through the ranks to become JMPD Chief in 2017.
He later served as the city’s MMC for Public Safety from 2021 to 2023 and most recently worked as a strategic advisor to the current MMC, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku.
In a statement, the Department of Public Safety expressed condolences to his loved ones.
“MMC for Public Safety, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, and the entire public safety cluster extend their deepest condolences to Mr Tembe’s family, friends, and former colleagues during this difficult time,” the department said. “We stand united in grief and heartfelt gratitude for his lifelong service to the people of this city.”
ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba described Tembe as a dedicated public servant on social media.
“I had the privilege of working with him during my tenure as mayor, where he did remarkable work in combating criminality and strengthening the rule of law across the city,” Mashaba said, extending condolences to Tembe’s family and colleagues.
Private security company Vision Tactical also expressed sadness at his passing, calling him “a true servant of the city” and noting that details surrounding his death remain under investigation.
Funeral and memorial arrangements will be communicated by the city in due course.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star