Simon Majadibodu|Published
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has recorded 156,131 profile registrations nationwide in less than 24 hours after opening applications for 5,500 entry-level police trainee posts for the 2026 and 2027 financial years.
The online recruitment portal opened at midnight on Wednesday, with applications closing on November 13
SAPS national spokesperson Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the service was calling on young South Africans under the age of 35 to embrace the challenge and join the police service.
She said of the 156,131 individuals who registered profiles, 78,473 had completed the profile verification process.
“A further 53,716 initiated their applications, while 29,013 successfully completed and submitted their applications through the online portal,” Van Wyk said.
Given the high volume of traffic, she urged prospective applicants to exercise patience when accessing the portal and completing their applications.
“Applicants are encouraged to ensure that they meet all the requirements and submit their applications before the closing date.”
Eligible applicants with no criminal record or pending criminal cases can apply through the official SAPS eRecruitment portal.
Apply here: https://erecruitment.saps.gov.za/
How apply for SAPS trainee posts
The online application process, introduced in 2025, aims to make it easier for young people from different backgrounds to apply for entry-level police trainee positions.
Prospective applicants must create a profile on the portal and verify their accounts using a code sent to their email addresses.
“Once verified, they can follow the step-by-step process to apply for available trainee posts,” Van Wyk said.
A QR code providing direct access to the portal will also be shared on SAPS’s official social media platforms.
Van Wyk said the service was looking for more than just recruits to wear a uniform.
“It is looking for young people who can bring knowledge, skills, fresh perspectives and a commitment to excellence to the fight against crime,” she said.
Graduates may be considered for specialised units
She said as part of its targeted recruitment drive, SAPS will identify suitably qualified applicants with specific skills for consideration in specialised policing environments.
“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,” Van Wyk said.
The recruitment process will also seek to identify suitably qualified young people from under-represented racial groups who meet the prescribed requirements.
Selection process and training
Van Wyk said all applicants would undergo a rigorous selection process, including fitness, psychometric and integrity tests, 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,” she said.
Successful recruits with a relevant National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 6 or higher qualification will undergo six months of training at a SAPS training academy.
Those without such qualifications will complete the standard nine-month training programme.
All police trainees will receive a monthly stipend of R5,000 during training.
“Joining the SAPS is more than choosing a career. It is choosing to stand against crime, protect vulnerable people, support communities and contribute to a safer future for all South Africans,” Van Wyk said.
She encouraged interested applicants to apply early and ensure they met all the prescribed requirements.
SAPS warns applicants against recruitment scams
The SAPS emphasised that applications were free and that no police trainee position was for sale.
She warned applicants to remain vigilant against fraudsters who might demand money in exchange for employment or promise to influence the recruitment process.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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