Recruitment fitness test leads to six deaths

Six people have died from suspected dehydration after taking part in a KwaZulu-Natal traffic department recruitment fitness test, according to a report.

Another person apparently committed suicide in frustration after the test, the SABC news reported today.

The province’s transport, community safety and liaison MEC Willies Mchunu could not be reached for comment about the deaths.

However, in a statement released today Mchunu said he would investigate the incident whereby “scores” of people who were trying to get employment at the road traffic inspectorate, collapsed during a fitness test.

“More than 34 000 applicants qualified for the 90 trainee posts which were advertised,” said Mchunu in a statement.

The MEC said that 15 600 applicants attended a fitness test at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Thursday, and a similar number attended yesterday.

“Scores of them could not cope with the hot weather condition and collapsed.”

Many were taken to hospital.

Mchunu said that he would meet with those in charge of the test today, adding: “We regret any injuries or loss of lives as a result of the fitness test.”

- Sapa