SAPS: Entry-Level Police Trainees 2026/2027 (5500 Trainee Positions) Available – Grade 12 required. The South African Police Service is recruiting for entry-level police trainees and invites applications from all races and genders from young, energetic, intelligent, physically and mentally fit individuals, dedicated to serving their country by pursuing a career in policing.
Location: South Africa
Category: Government Vacancies
Closing Date: 13/11/2026
Requirements
A person who applies to be employed as an entry-level police trainee must:
- Be a South African citizen, with official documentation provided as proof
- Be at least 18 years old and no older than 35 by the application deadline
- Must hold a Grade 12 (Matric) certificate or an equivalent educational qualification
- Must be proficient in English and at least one other official language
- The applicant must possess the physical, medical, and mental fitness required for the position
- The applicant must pass the required psychological assessments and integrity tests
- The applicant must have no prior criminal convictions or pending criminal cases
- The applicant must not have any visible tattoos when wearing the South African Police Service (SAPS) uniform
- The applicant must consent to fingerprint verification, background checks, and security vetting
- Must be prepared to undergo training and work in any region within South Africa
- The applicant must be prepared to take the official oath of office
Training and Benefits
- The training process includes a one-month introductory phase at a designated police station, followed by the Basic Police Development Learning Programme or the Introductory Police Development Learning Programme, as determined by the SAPS
- During the basic training period, the South African Police Service (SAPS) will provide trainees with training equipment, meals, and accommodation. Medical care benefits will also be provided throughout the basic training program
- After successfully completing basic training, trainees may be considered for permanent appointment as SAPS constables. Appointees will serve a 12-month probation period
Selection Process
- Applicants must be in possession of a Grade 12 school certificate and meet the minimum requirements for admission to a bachelor’s degree
- All applicants will undergo fitness, psychometric, and integrity testing, as well as a medical evaluation, and will be interviewed during the recruitment, selection, and enlistment process. The SAPS will also verify the qualifications, driver’s license, where applicable, and residential address of each applicant
- Applicants will be subjected to a vetting process which will include security screening, reference checking, social media presence and fingerprint verification to establish whether any illicit activity has been recorded or is pending against candidates
How To Apply
NB: To apply online, please visit the South African Police Service e-Recruitment portal at erecruitment.saps.gov.za