SAPS Applications Open for 2025/2026 Trainee Programme

Vacancies for Entry-Level Police Trainees: 2025/2026

SAPS invites applications from young, intelligent, physically and mentally fit individuals to join as Police Trainees. This opportunity is open to all races and genders.

📌 Post Details

• Title: Police Trainee
• Reference: TRAINEE2025/2026
• Act of Appointment: SAPS Act, 1995 (Act No. 68 of 1995)

💸 Remuneration

• During Training: R4,500/month (with applicable benefits)
• After Training (Constable): R238,629 per annum

🎓 Eligibility Bonus

Applicants with a National Diploma/Degree (NQF Level 6 or higher) in relevant fields like Law, Policing, Criminology, etc., may be placed in specialized units such as:

• DPCI (Hawks)
• Detective and Forensic Services
• Crime Intelligence

📅 Training & Benefits

• 21-month Basic Police Development Learning Programme
• Free training gear, meals, accommodation
• Medical aid for duration of training
• Training takes place at SAPS Academies nationwide

🧭 Core Functions After Training

• Prevent and investigate crime
• Maintain public order
• Protect citizens and property
• Uphold and enforce the law

📌 General Requirements for SAPS Entry-Level Police Trainees

(Based on SAPS Employment Amendment Regulations, 2023, Section 39(8))

To qualify, applicants must:

• 📄 Apply using the official form and affirm under oath that all details are correct
• 🇿🇦 Be a South African citizen (proof required)
• 🎂 Be between 18 and 35 years old (by closing date)
• 🏥 Be physically, medically, and mentally fit (based on SAPS assessments)
• 🧠 Pass a psychological and integrity assessment
• 🎓 Hold a Grade 12 certificate or an equivalent qualification
• 💬 Be proficient in English and at least one other official language
• 🖋️ Be willing to take the oath of office
• 🧳 Be willing to undergo training as assigned
• ❌ Have no visible tattoos when in uniform
• 🔫 Not be declared unfit to possess a firearm
• ⚖️ Have no criminal record or pending charges
• 🚫 Not have been dismissed for misconduct from any previous job
• 🧬 Provide a DNA sample and fingerprints for verification
• 🔍 Consent to background checks and security vetting
• 🌍 Be willing to serve anywhere in South Africa

✅ Selection Preferences

Priority will be given to candidates who meet any of the following:

• Hold a valid driver’s license (light motor vehicle)
• Have a relevant 3-year tertiary qualification (e.g. Policing, Law, Forensics)
• Meet minimum Grade 12 requirements for:
  • Bachelor’s degree admission
  • Diploma admission
  • Higher Certificate studies

🧪 Additional Screening

• Includes fitness, psychometric, and medical testing
• Interviews and vetting of:
  • Qualifications
  • Citizenship
  • Driver’s license (if applicable)
  • Social media activity
  • Residential address
• Dismissed former government employees due to misconduct won’t be considered
• Applicants with chronic health conditions or impairments may be excluded if their condition disrupts training

📄 SAPS Electronic Application Guide (2025/2026 Intake)

To apply online, visit: https://www.saps.gov.za → Click Careers → Follow these steps:

🖥️ Application Steps

1. Register an account on the SAPS website
2. Complete your profile on the “Profile User” page
3. Log into your account
4. Navigate to the SAPS vacancy page
5. Find and select the post (e.g. TRAINEE2025/2026)
6. Fill in the multi-step application and submit

🏃 Fitness Requirements

• Must pass a fitness assessment
• BMI must be 30 or less
• Waist Circumference:
  • Men ≤ 102 cm
  • Women ≤ 90 cm

⚖️ Legal and Policy Notes

• Applicants will undergo interviews and vetting under:
  • Sex Offenders Act (2007)
  • Children’s Act (2005)
• You must provide a DNA sample (buccal swab) per the Forensic Procedures Act (2013)
• If involved in a business registered with the State (CSD), you must:
  • Deregister or resign as a director within a month of enlisting

🚫 Work Restrictions

• No side work in sectors like taxi, liquor, security, etc.
• Other secondary employment must be disclosed and approved within the first month
• Non-compliance can lead to termination of the agreement with SAPS

🔐 Important Notices

• Only one application is allowed per applicant
• If not contacted within 3 months after closing date, consider the application unsuccessful
• Being shortlisted does not guarantee appointment
• SAPS is not obliged to appoint any applicant

📅 Closing Date: 18 July 2025

Signed by: Lieutenant General N. Khoja Acting Deputy National Commissioner: Support Services