Hope Ntanzi|Published
More than 172,000 applications have been submitted for 5,500 South African Police Service (SAPS) trainee posts in just over three days, with the recruitment portal recording more than 300,000 profile registrations.
SAPS national spokesperson Colonel Amanda van Wyk said in a statement on Saturday that more than 232,000 applicants had completed profile verification, while over 190,000 had started their applications.
The online recruitment drive opened on October 21 and closes on Friday, November 13.
Gauteng records highest number of applications
Gauteng recorded the highest number of completed applications, with 49,518, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 33,661 and the Eastern Cape with 17,441.
Limpopo recorded 16,251 applications, narrowly ahead of the Western Cape with 16,249. Mpumalanga recorded 14,900, the Free State 11,345, North West 9,179 and the Northern Cape 4,177.
Women submitted more than 95,000 applications, compared with over 76,000 from men, said Van Wyk.
In terms of race, SAPS recorded approximately 160,000 applications from African applicants, 11,000 from Coloured applicants, 600 from Indian applicants and 150 from White applicants.
SAPS cautions applicants against repeated submissions
Van Wyk warned that the high volume of traffic on the eRecruitment portal could cause delays or slower response times as applicants register and submit their applications.
''The SAPS Technology Management Services division and its technology partners are working around the clock to manage the increased demand,'' she said.
The service said the portal remained operational.
Applicants whose submissions were successful have been assured that their applications remain valid and that they do not need to take further action.
SAPS urged applicants to avoid repeatedly attempting to register or submit applications, as this could place additional pressure on the system.
“Only applicants who have not received an acknowledgement email should consider reapplying,” the statement said.
Applicants were also advised to submit their applications outside peak hours where possible and to rely on official SAPS communication channels for recruitment updates.
Applications must be submitted through the official SAPS eRecruitment portal before the November 13 deadline.
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za
IOL News