SAPS Police Trainee Intake for 2026

SAPS is inviting unemployed South Africans to apply for the Police Trainee Intake for 2026. Closing date for applications: 18 July 2025.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is embarking on the recruitment of patriotic citizens who are willing to protect and proud to serve the country by pursuing a career as entry Police Trainees for enlistment in the Basic Police Development Learning Programme (BPDLP).

Institution Phase (Basic Training): R4500 per month

Probation Phase (After Training): R238 629 per annum

Responsibilities:

• Prevent, combat and investigate crime;
• Maintain public order;
• Protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and their property;
• Uphold and enforce the law.

The Programme shall consist of 3 phases:

• Induction Phase: One (1) month at a designated police station;
• Basic Training Phase: Eight (8) months Basic Training at a designated SAPS Academy;
• Probation Phase: After successful completion of the Induction and the Basic Training Phases, the police trainee shall be appointed as a member of the Service undergoing the Workplace Exposure Programme (12 months).

Requirements:

• Must be a South African Citizen;
• Must have a Grade 12 certificate or equivalent qualification;
• Be proficient in at least English and one other official language;
• Must be between 18 and 35 years of age;
• Have no previous criminal convictions and shall allow his or her fingerprints to be taken and background enquiries to be made;
• Not have any tattoo marks of which will be visible when wearing any uniform of the Service.

Advantageous: A valid driving license for at least a light motor vehicle will serve as an advantage.

In Addition, Applicants must:

• Be prepared to take the oath of office;
• Submit himself or herself to a physical medical examination as determined by the National Commissioner; and must be found to be physically and mentally fit for appointment in the post for which he or she applies;
• Undergo and pass a psychological assessment as determined by the National Commissioner and be found to comply with the profile of a police official;
• Be prepared to successfully undergo such training as determined by the National Commissioner;
• Be prepared to serve anywhere in the Republic of South Africa;
• Undergo and pass a medical examination (Body Mass Index of ≤ than 30 / Waist circumference ≤ 102 cm (males) and ≤ 88 cm (females)).

How to apply:

All instructions on the application form must be adhered to, failure to do so may result in the rejection of the application.

Required Documents:

Attach uncertified copies of the following documents to your application form:

• Identity Document;
• Tertiary Qualifications;
• Academic Record;
• Driver’s license (where applicable);
• Testimonial (School / Church / Traditional Leaders);
• Service Certificates of previous employers (if applicable).

Submit Applications: To apply online go to https://www.saps.gov.za/ and click careers link. Late applications will not be accepted or considered.

NB. Correspondence will be conducted with successful applicants only and if an applicant has not been contacted within 3 months after the closing date of this advertisement, it should be accepted that such applicant was unsuccessful in his or her application.