More than 156 000 hopefuls have registered for just 5 500 police trainee positions in less than 24 hours, a month after police faced heavy criticism over the racial makeup of its previous intake of recruits.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) opened its online application portal at midnight on Wednesday, 21 October, inviting young South Africans to join the fight against crime.
National SAPS spokesperson Colonel Amanda van Wyk said 156 131 profiles had been registered nationwide within the first 24 hours.
Only 29,013 applications had been submitted
Of these, 78 473 applicants had completed profile verification, while 53 716 had started their applications. A total of 29 013 applications had been completed and submitted.
“Given the high volume of traffic, prospective applicants are urged to exercise patience when accessing the portal and completing their applications,” Van Wyk said.
“Applicants are encouraged to ensure that they meet all the requirements and submit their applications before the closing date.”
The recruitment drive comes a month after SAPS faced criticism over the racial composition of its latest intake of recruits.
In September, Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie questioned the apparent absence of Coloured, Indian and White recruits in a photograph of new police trainees.
SAPS defended the recruitment process, saying it had received 1 049 998 applications, but that the overwhelming majority were from African applicants.
“The objective is not simply to recruit more people, but to attract suitable, competent and diverse candidates from across South Africa who are willing to serve and protect their communities,” SAPS said at the time.
Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie also encouraged young people of all races to apply in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
“Please apply. Your CV shall not be thrown in the bin. Watch this space,” he said.
Who can apply for the SAPS trainee posts
The latest recruitment drive is open to South Africans aged 18 to under 35, irrespective of race or gender, who meet the requirements. Applicants must have no criminal record or pending criminal cases.
Graduates in law, policing, criminology, forensic investigation and information technology may also be considered for specialised policing units.
Successful recruits will receive a monthly stipend of R5 000 during training. Those with relevant NQF Level 6 or higher qualifications will undergo six months of training, while other recruits will complete a nine-month programme.
SAPS warned that applications are free and that no police trainee post is for sale.
Applications close on 13 November 2026 and can be submitted at https://erecruitment.saps.gov.za/.