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Job Description

Position: Police Trainee
Department: South African Police Service (SAPS)
Location: Nationwide, South Africa
Reference: 2025/2026 Police Trainee Intake
Application Method: Online via www.saps.gov.za/careers
Closing Date: 18 July 2025

The Role

The South African Police Service is calling on young, motivated, and disciplined individuals to serve their country by joining the SAPS as entry-level Police Trainees. As part of its first-ever electronic recruitment process, SAPS seeks to enhance efficiency, transparency, and integrity in its hiring process. Successful applicants will undergo intensive basic police training and be deployed in various policing environments across the country, including specialised units.

Requirements

To be considered for the Police Trainee Programme, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

General Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a South African citizen.

• Must be in possession of a valid South African Identity Document (ID).

• Age between 18 and 35 years on the closing date (18 July 2025).

• Must have passed Grade 12 (National Senior Certificate) or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification.

• Must have no criminal record or pending criminal cases.

• Must not have any visible tattoos that may be deemed offensive or of a gang/violent nature.

• Must be medically, physically, and mentally fit to perform duties as a police official.

• Must be willing to undergo:

  • Psychometric assessment

  • Physical fitness test

  • Integrity and fingerprint screening

  • Medical evaluation

Additional Advantageous Qualifications

(These are not required but may enhance your application for placement in specialised SAPS environments):

• National Diploma or Degree in any of the following fields:

  • Law

  • Policing

  • Criminology

  • Law Enforcement

  • Forensic Investigation

  • Information Technology

Candidates with these qualifications may be considered for targeted placement in units such as:

• Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI)

• Detective and Forensic Services

• Crime Intelligence (CI)

Other Requirements

• Must be willing to undergo a nine (9) month Basic Police Development Learning Programme at a designated SAPS Academy.

• Must be prepared to serve in any area of the country upon successful completion of training.

• Must not be employed in a permanent position within any government department at the time of appointment.

Remuneration

• A monthly stipend of R4,500 will be paid during the training period.

Note:

• The application process is free – no person may charge a fee or offer a position in exchange for payment.

• All applications must be submitted online only via the SAPS e-Recruitment Portal: www.saps.gov.za/careers.