SA Police Service Launches E-Recruitment Campaign for 5,500 Trainees
Pretoria – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has officially launched its highly anticipated e-recruitment campaign on its website, aiming to enlist 5,500 new police officers.
In a historic first, SAPS has introduced an Electronic Recruitment System, enabling youth from diverse backgrounds to apply for entry-level police trainee positions.
“This shift to a digital platform is designed to reduce paperwork, combat corruption and nepotism, and prevent the loss of applications,” SAPS stated in a press release provided to The Bulrushes.
“Moreover, it will foster fairness, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness while enhancing the integrity and speed of the recruitment process.”
The nationwide recruitment drive began on Monday, June 30, 2025, with online applications closing on July 18, 2025.
This initiative aims to recruit young men and women aged 18 to 35 for police trainee roles in the 2025/2026 financial year.
Qualified candidates without criminal records or pending cases are encouraged to apply by visiting www.saps.gov.za/careers and selecting the e-Recruitment portal from the menu.
“It’s crucial to note that SAPS will utilize a targeted recruitment strategy to identify and consider candidates with specific skills and/or qualifications,” the statement highlighted.
“For example, graduates in Law, Policing, Criminology, Law Enforcement, Forensic Investigation, and Information Technology may be eligible for specialized roles in the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Detective and Forensic Services, as well as Crime Intelligence (CI).”
To ensure that recruits exhibit discipline, energy, intelligence, and physical and mental fitness, SAPS indicated that applicants will undergo a stringent selection process.
This process will include psychometric evaluations, integrity assessments, physical fitness tests, fingerprint and vetting screenings, along with medical examinations.
Successful candidates will receive nine months of training at SAPS training academies nationwide and will earn a monthly stipend of R4,500.
“During the last three years, the SAPS Project 10,000, launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa to bolster crime prevention efforts, has seen the recruitment and training of 30,393 young individuals aged 18 to 35 as fully qualified police officers,” SAPS reported.
“Currently, there are 5,500 young trainees in SAPS academies, getting ready to become fully-fledged officers.
“Some will graduate in August 2025, while others will finish their training in December 2025.
“The application process is entirely free, and no position within SAPS is for sale.
“Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official SAPS website portal.”