The South African Police Service (SAPS) has officially launched its nationwide e-recruitment drive for the 2025/26 intake of entry-level police trainees. The online application process began on 30 June 2025 and will close on 18 July 2025. SAPS is looking to recruit 5,500 new police officers during this cycle, targeting South Africans aged 18 to 35 for the Basic Police Learning Development Programme (BPLDP). Applicants must apply online, as email or paper applications are no longer accepted[2][4][6].
Requirements for applicants include:
- Permanent residence in South Africa
- Possession of a Grade 12 school certificate or equivalent
- Proficiency in at least English and one other official language
- Aged between 18 and 35 years
- No previous criminal convictions
- A valid driving license is advantageous but not mandatory
Successful recruits will undergo a nine-month training course at SAPS academies nationwide, receiving a monthly stipend of R4,500. Upon completion, they will be placed at police stations or units across South Africa, starting with a probationary phase and progressing to permanent positions as Constables. The shift to online applications aims to enhance fairness, efficiency, and transparency in the recruitment process while reducing paperwork and curbing corruption[1][4].
The new e-recruitment portal has received overwhelming interest, with over 185,000 applications submitted by 3 July 2025. Female applicants are leading in numbers, and the highest volume of applications has come from Gauteng, followed by KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and Eastern Cape. Due to the high traffic, some applicants have experienced delays but are encouraged to be patient and keep refreshing the application page[6][8].
SAPS has emphasized that the application process is free of charge and that no positions are for sale. Applicants will undergo a rigorous selection process, including psychometric evaluations, physical fitness assessments, background checks, and medical evaluations. SAPS is also seeking candidates with specialized skills in law, criminology, forensic investigation, or information technology for placement in specialized units[4].