Former JMPD Chief David Tembe has passed away
The former Chief of Police at the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), David Tembe, has passed away.
Tembe was found unresponsive at his home on Monday night.
The circumstances surrounding his death are unknown at this stage.
He vacated his position as the metro police chief in 2020 following a confidential separation agreement.
BREAKING NEWS | Former JMPD Chief David Tembe has died. The cause of death is still unknown. pic.twitter.com/pBcFhI1uFA
— SABC News (@SABCNews) November 25, 2025
Tembe began his journey in 1981 as a paramedic with Johannesburg Emergency Medical Services.
He rose through the ranks to be appointed JMPD Chief in 2017 and later served as MMC for Public Safety from 2021 to 2023.
Most recently, he was a strategic Advisor to the current MMC, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku.
*City of Johannesburg Department of Public Safety Mourns the Passing of Mr David Tembe*
It is with profound sadness that the City of Johannesburg Department of Public Safety announces the passing of Mr David Tembe, Strategic Advisor to the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC)… pic.twitter.com/qwzOi21B8A
— Cmsr Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, PhD (@MTshwaku) November 25, 2025