The City of Johannesburg’s Department of Public Safety has announced the passing of one of its most respected figures, Mr David Tembe, a long-serving public safety professional and former Chief of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).
Tembe, who most recently served as Strategic Advisor to the MMC for Public Safety, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, was found unresponsive at his private residence yesterday. Emergency crews responded swiftly, but he was declared deceased at the scene. A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death.Widely regarded as a pioneer in Johannesburg’s public safety sector, Tembe dedicated more than 40 years of his life to serving the city.
He began his career in 1981 as a paramedic with Johannesburg Emergency Medical Services before rising through senior leadership positions.In 2017, he was appointed Chief of the JMPD, where he led several initiatives to strengthen law enforcement visibility, road safety and community policing. He later served as MMC for Public Safety between 2021 and 2023, and continued to lend his expertise as an advisor to the current administration.
Tembe was celebrated for his community-focused style of policing, his strong advocacy for the wellbeing of officers, and his lifelong commitment to building safer communities. His influence is credited with shaping the city’s modern approach to crime prevention and public safety.In a statement, MMC for Public Safety Dr Mgcini Tshwaku expressed deep sorrow at the loss, extending condolences to Tembe’s family, friends and former colleagues.
“The Department of Public Safety stands united in grief and in heartfelt gratitude for Mr David Tembe’s lifelong service to the people of this city,” the statement read.
