By Lebone Rodah Mosima
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has opened applications for 5,500 police trainee positions for citizens aged 18 to under 35, with recruitment running until 13 November 2026.
The nationwide online recruitment drive opened on Wednesday, 21 October.
“If you are disciplined, physically fit, committed to serving your community and determined to help build a safer South Africa, this could be your moment,” SAPS said.
Eligible applicants with no criminal records or pending criminal cases are encouraged to apply through the official SAPS eRecruitment portal at www.erecruitment.saps.gov.za.
“The online application process, introduced in 2025, makes it easier for young people from all walks of life to apply for entry-level police trainee posts,” SAPS said.
Prospective applicants must create a profile on the portal and verify their accounts using a code sent to their email addresses.
Once their accounts have been verified, they can follow the step-by-step process to apply for available trainee posts.
“A QR code providing direct access to the portal will also be shared on SAPS’s official social media platforms,” SAPS said.
SAPS said it was seeking young people who could bring knowledge, skills, fresh perspectives and a commitment to excellence to the fight against crime.
“As part of its targeted recruitment drive, the SAPS will identify suitably qualified applicants with specific skills for consideration in specialised policing environments,” SAPS said.
“Graduates in Law, Policing, Criminology, Law Enforcement, Forensic Investigation and Information Technology may be considered for placement within the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks; Detective and Forensic Services; and Crime Intelligence.”
The recruitment process would also seek to identify suitably qualified young people from underrepresented racial groups who meet the prescribed requirements.
All applicants will undergo a selection process that includes fitness, psychometric and integrity testing, a medical evaluation and an interview.
“These assessments are designed to ensure that those selected possess the physical fitness, mental resilience, discipline and integrity required to serve and protect the people of South Africa,” SAPS said.
Successful recruits who hold a relevant National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 6 or higher qualification will undergo six months of training at a SAPS training academy, while those without such qualifications will complete the standard nine-month training programme.
All police trainees will receive a monthly stipend of R5,000 during their training.
“Applicants must remain vigilant against fraudsters who may demand money in exchange for employment or promise to influence the recruitment process,” SAPS said.
INSIDE POLITICS
