South African Police Service Vacancies for Entry Level Police Trainees | WATCH HER VIDEO BELOW:

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is seeking entry-level Police Trainees and welcomes applications from individuals of all races and genders. We are looking for young, energetic, intelligent, physically and mentally fit people who are committed to serving their country through a career in policing.

Enlistment Details

  • Post Title: Police Trainee
    Reference: TRAINEE2025/2026
  • Act of Appointment: SAPS Act, 1995 (Act No 68 of 1995)
  • Remuneration During Training: Stipend of R4500 per month (including applicable benefits)
  • On Successful Completion of Basic Training: Constable salary of R238 629 per annum

Note: Candidates holding a three-year National Diploma or Degree (recorded on the National Learner Record Database at NQF 6 or higher) in fields such as Law, Policing, Criminology, Law Enforcement, or Forensic Investigation will be prioritized for placement in specialized units like the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Detective and Forensic Services, or Crime Intelligence (CI).

Period of Training

Successful applicants will complete training at a location, time, and manner determined by the National Commissioner at any SAPS Training Academy in South Africa.

During the Basic Training Phase, SAPS will supply free training gear, meals, and accommodation to trainees. Trainees will also receive medical aid benefits throughout the 21-month Basic Police Development Learning Programme.

Upon successfully finishing the Basic Training, trainees will be eligible for permanent appointment as SAPS members at the rank of Constable.

Core Functions

Successful candidates will function as police officials and be assigned to perform the following duties:

  • Prevent, combat, and investigate crime.
  • Maintain public order.
  • Protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and their property.
  • Uphold and enforce the law.

Generic Requirements (SAPS Employment Amendment Regulations, 2023, 39(8))

To apply as an entry-level police trainee, individuals must:

  • Submit an application on the form specified by the National Commissioner and affirm under oath or solemn declaration that all provided details are true and accurate.
  • Be a South African citizen, with documentary proof provided.
  • Be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application, with documentary proof.
  • Undergo a physical and medical examination as determined by the National Commissioner and be found physically, medically, and mentally fit for service.

  • Complete a psychological and integrity assessment as set by the National Commissioner and meet the profile of a police official.
  • Hold a Grade 12 school certificate or equivalent, with documentary proof.
  • Be proficient in English and at least one other official language.
  • Be willing to take the oath of office.
  • Be prepared to undergo training as determined by the National Commissioner.
  • Have no visible tattoo marks when wearing any SAPS uniform.

  • Not have been declared unfit to possess a firearm.
  • Have no previous criminal convictions or pending criminal cases.
  • Not have been dismissed from previous employment for serious misconduct involving dishonesty, violence, sexual harassment, or drug-related issues.
  • Allow a buccal sample and fingerprints to be taken for verification against the criminal record system.

  • Permit background enquiries.
  • Be prepared to undergo security vetting and obtain the security clearance level set by the National Commissioner.
  • Be willing to serve anywhere in the Republic.

Selection Process

Note: Preference will be given to applicants with a valid driver’s license for at least a light motor vehicle, as well as those with the following qualifications:

  • A relevant three-year tertiary qualification (NQF 6 or higher) in areas like Criminal Law, Policing, or Forensic Investigation.
  • Any other three-year tertiary qualification (NQF 6 or higher).
  • A Grade 12 certificate meeting minimum requirements for admission to a Bachelor’s Degree.
  • A Grade 12 certificate meeting minimum requirements for admission to a Diploma.
  • A Grade 12 certificate meeting minimum requirements for admission to Higher Certificate study.

All applicants will undergo fitness, psychometric, and integrity testing, along with medical evaluations and interviews during the recruitment, selection, and enlistment process. SAPS will verify qualifications, driver’s license (if applicable), citizenship, and residential address for each applicant.

Applicants will also face a vetting process, including security screening, reference checks, social media review, and fingerprint verification to check for any recorded or pending illicit activity.

Candidates previously dismissed from a Government Department for misconduct will not be considered for SAPS appointment.

Due to the physical demands of the Basic Police Development Learning Programme, applicants with chronic diseases, physical impairments, or health conditions that could interrupt training may be excluded. Failure to disclose such conditions may lead to withdrawal from the programme.

General Information

To apply online, visit the South African Police Service website at https://www.saps.gov.za and click on the Careers link.

Follow this step-by-step guide to use the SAPS electronic recruitment system:

  • Register your account on the SAPS site.
  • Enter your profile details via the Profile User page.
  • Log into your account.
  • On the home page, navigate to the SAPS vacancy page link.
  • Find and select the position (TRAINEE2025/2026).
  • Complete the multi-step application process with your personal details and submit.

Applicants must submit to a fitness assessment. To qualify, meet these requirements: Body Mass Index of 30 or less; waist circumference of 102 cm or less (males) and 88 cm or less (females).

Short-listed applicants can expect a personal interview.

Short-listed candidates may be vetted under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 2007 (Act No 32 of 2007) and the Children’s Act, 2005 (Act No 38 of 2005). Those listed in the National Register for Sex Offenders or Part B of the Child Protection Register will be disqualified.

Under the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Act, Act 37 of 2013, all new SAPS appointments from January 31, 2015, require a buccal sample for forensic DNA profiling, which will be added to the Elimination Index of the National Forensic DNA Database.

Applicants should note that Section 8 of the Public Administration Management Act of 2014 and the Public Service Regulations, 2016 prohibit state employees from doing business with the State. If an applicant has a company registered with the Central Supplier Database (CSD), they must deregister it or step down as director before enlistment or within one month after, or face termination of their Memorandum of Agreement with SAPS.

Remunerative work in industries like taxi, liquor, or security is prohibited under Chapter 4 of National Instruction 18 of 2019: Integrity Management.

Applicants with other external remunerative work must apply for authorization within the first month of their Memorandum of Agreement; non-compliance may result in termination.

Correspondence will only be sent to successful applicants. If you are not contacted within three months after submitting, consider your application unsuccessful.

A limited number of positions are available, and completing the selection process does not guarantee appointment. Applicants are limited to one submission per person.

SAPS is not obligated to appoint any applicant.

Follow us on the MySAPS App or visit www.saps.gov.za.

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