More than 156,000 applicants registered for only 5,500 police trainee positions in less than a day. This occurred a month after the police faced serious criticism regarding the racial composition of its previous recruitment intake.
The online portal of the South African Police Service (SAPS) was opened at midnight on Wednesday, October 21, to invite young South Africans to join the fight against crime. National SAPS representative, Colonel Amanda van Wyk, reported that 156,131 profiles were registered across the country within the first 24 hours.
Application Statistics
Of the total registered candidates, 78,473 completed profile verification, and 53,716 began filling out applications. In total, 29,013 applications were fully completed and submitted. Van Wyk advised potential applicants to be patient when using the portal due to high traffic volume and reminded them of the need to meet all requirements and submit documents before the deadline.
This recruitment drive takes place a month after SAPS was criticized for the racial makeup of the last intake. In September, Patriotic Alliance leader Gethon Mackenzie questioned the lack of representatives from Coloured, Indian, and White groups in the photos of new police trainees.
SAPS defended the recruitment process, stating that it received 1,049,998 applications, but emphasized that the vast majority came from African candidates. At that time, SAPS noted that the goal is not just to increase the number of officers, but to attract suitable, competent, and diverse candidates from all over South Africa who are willing to serve and protect their communities.
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gethon Mackenzie also urged youth of all races to apply in his Facebook post on Wednesday, writing: 'Please apply. Your CV will not be thrown in the bin. Stay tuned.'
Who Can Apply for SAPS Trainee Positions
The latest campaign is open to South African citizens aged 18 to 35, regardless of gender or race, provided they meet the established requirements. Candidates must not have a criminal record or pending criminal cases.
Graduates of law, police, criminology, forensic medicine, and IT fields may be considered for specialized police units. Successfully recruited personnel will receive a monthly allowance of 5,000 rand during training. Those with NQF Level 6 or higher qualifications will undergo a six-month training program, while others will complete a nine-month course.
SAPS warned that applying is free and that no police trainee position is for sale. Applications close on November 13, 2026, and can be submitted at https://erecruitment.saps.gov.za/.