SAPS Launches First-Ever e-Recruitment Drive to Enlist 5,500 New Police Trainees

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has officially launched its groundbreaking e-Recruitment initiative, signaling a significant transformation in how it sources and selects new personnel. The programme, which commenced on Monday, 30 June 2025, aims to recruit 5,500 new police trainees through an entirely digital platform for the 2025/2026 financial year.

This marks the first time in SAPS history that applications for entry-level policing posts can be submitted online, a move expected to modernize and secure the recruitment process.

Modernizing Access to Law Enforcement Careers

The new e-Recruitment system is hosted on the SAPS official website (www.saps.gov.za/careers) and streamlines the application process for young South Africans aged 18 to 35. The platform, which will remain open for applications until 18 July 2025, offers an inclusive and user-friendly gateway for aspiring law enforcement officers from all corners of the country.

Applicants are required to select the “e-Recruitment” option from the careers drop-down menu to start their application process. This digital system replaces the cumbersome, outdated paper-based process and introduces safeguards against the manipulation and mismanagement of applications.

Combating Corruption and Boosting Fairness

By adopting an electronic platform, SAPS aims to significantly reduce corruption, eliminate nepotism, and prevent lost or tampered applications. The digitised approach is also expected to ensure transparency, fairness, and consistency in evaluating candidates.

“The shift to a digital platform is designed to enhance fairness, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and improve the integrity and speed of the recruitment process,” the SAPS stated.

The system also minimizes the logistical burden on applicants, especially those from remote or rural areas, by making the process more accessible and efficient.

Targeted Recruitment for Specialised Policing Units

While the drive is open to all qualifying young people, SAPS is placing particular emphasis on identifying applicants with qualifications or skills in specific fields such as:

• Law and Criminology

• Policing and Law Enforcement

• Forensic Investigation

• Information Technology (IT)

These candidates may be considered for specialist divisions within SAPS, including the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks, Detective Services, Forensic Units, and Crime Intelligence (CI).

This strategic alignment supports the professionalisation of the police service and improves SAPS’ capacity to handle complex criminal investigations, cybercrime, and organised crime.

Rigorous Screening and Selection Criteria

To maintain the highest standards of discipline and competence, the recruitment process includes a series of stringent evaluations:

• Psychometric Testing

• Integrity Assessments

• Physical Fitness Tests

• Medical Examinations

• Fingerprint and Criminal Vetting

Only candidates with no criminal records or pending charges will be considered. SAPS emphasised that the selection process is merit-based, and all applicants will undergo the same rigorous evaluation to ensure they are mentally and physically fit for duty.

Training, Stipends, and Future Career Growth

Successful applicants will be enrolled in a nine-month basic police development training programme at SAPS academies located nationwide. During this period, trainees will receive a monthly stipend of R4,500 to support them as they undergo intensive training.

Upon graduation, they will be deployed across South Africa to strengthen law enforcement visibility, enhance public safety, and contribute to national crime prevention strategies.

Project 10 000: A Presidential Initiative Gaining Momentum

This recruitment campaign is part of the broader Project 10 000, an initiative championed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, aimed at enhancing the country’s crime-fighting capabilities by rapidly increasing the number of trained police officers.

“In the last three years, the SAPS Project 10 000 has led to the recruitment and training of 30,393 young people between the ages of 18 and 35,” SAPS reported.

Currently, 5,500 trainees are undergoing training at police academies and are expected to graduate in two cohorts—August 2025 and December 2025.

Important Reminders: No Fees or Agents Involved

SAPS has reiterated that the recruitment process is free of charge and warned applicants to avoid fraudulent intermediaries. No fees should be paid, and no job within SAPS is for sale. Applications submitted through any unofficial channel will not be considered.

Building a Safer South Africa Through Empowered Youth

The launch of the e-Recruitment platform represents a major step forward in professionalising the South African Police Service and empowering young people to serve their country. It not only enhances transparency and efficiency but also ensures that SAPS can attract a new generation of intelligent, committed, and tech-savvy officers ready to meet the evolving demands of policing in the modern era.

This initiative demonstrates SAPS’ commitment to inclusive growth, institutional reform, and public safety—laying the groundwork for a safer and more accountable South Africa.