The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that it received over 67 000 applications within 24 hours for the Basic Police Learning Development Programme (BPLDP) through its e-recruitment system.
The SAPS launched the e-recruitment system on Monday, 30 June, as it seeks 5 500 new trainees to join its ranks.
SAPS RECRUITMENT: HERE’S ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
For the first time in history, the SAPS is utilising an Electronic Recruitment System, through which youth from all walks of life can submit their applications to be considered for the entry-level police trainee posts.
SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the shift to a digital platform is expected to reduce paperwork, curb corruption and nepotism, and prevent lost applications. It is also expected to enhance fairness, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and improve the integrity and speed of the recruitment process.
Mathe said the nationwide recruitment drive begins today, 30 June, with online applications closing on 18 July. It targets young men and women aged 18 to 35 to join as police trainees for the 2025/2026 financial year.
“Qualifying young men and women without criminal records and/or pending criminal cases are encouraged to apply by visiting www.saps.gov.za/careers then select the e-Recruitment portal from the drop down menu.
“It is worth mentioning that the SAPS will implement a targeted recruitment process to identify and consider applicants with specific skills and/or qualifications, i.e., Graduates in Law, Policing, Criminology, Law Enforcement, Forensic Investigation, and Information Technology, for placement in the specialised environments such as the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Detective and Forensic Services as well as Crime Intelligence (CI),” she explained.
Additionally, applicants will be subjected to a rigorous selection process, which entails: psychometric, integrity, physical fitness assessments, and fingerprint/vetting screening as well as medical evaluations to ensure that the SAPS enlist disciplined, energetic, intelligent, physically and mentally fit individuals, dedicated to serving their country through Policing,
WEBSITE EXPERIENCING DELAYED RESPONSE
Unsurprisingly, the website is experiencing a delayed response due to traffic volumes.
Mathe said the Technology Management Services (TMS) , inclusive of IT experts, are continuously monitoring the influx of applications.
“Applicants are therefore advised to be patient and to continue to refresh the careers page. Applicants are reminded that the closing date is 18 July 2025 and all applications should be submitted via the website portal and not via email,” Mathe added.
WILL YOU BE APPLYING FOR THE SAPS TRAINING PROGRAMME?
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