Join SAPS: Entry Level Police Trainees 2026/2027 Recruitment – 5500 Positions Available

Join the South African Police Service as an Entry Level Police Trainee!

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is excited to announce a massive recruitment drive for 5500 Entry Level Police Trainees for the 2026/2027 Financial Year. We are inviting applications from young, energetic, intelligent, physically and mentally fit individuals of all races and genders who are dedicated to serving their country and pursuing a career in Policing.

Key Details:

• Post Title: Police Trainee
• Reference: TRA26/27
• Number of Trainees: 5500
• Financial Year: 2026/2027
• Closing Date for Applications: 13 November 2026
• Advertisement Circulation: 21 October 2026 (across Social Media Platforms and SAPS website)

Remuneration & Benefits:

• During Training: A stipend of R5000 per month with applicable benefits.
• Upon Successful Completion of Basic Training (as Constable): R248,175 per annum.
• Training Benefits: Free training gear, meals, accommodation, and medical aid benefits during the Basic Police Development Learning Programme.

Training Programme:

Successful candidates will undergo a structured training programme designed to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge:

• Induction Phase: One (1) month at a designated police station.
• Basic Police Development Learning Programme/Introductory Police Development Learning Programme: Conducted at any SAPS Training Academy in South Africa, as determined by the National Commissioner.
• Probation Period: Upon successful completion of the Basic Training Phase, trainees will be appointed as a member of the Service under probation for a period of 12 months.

Core Functions of a Police Official (Constable):

Successful candidates will serve as functional police officials, performing vital duties including:

• Preventing, combating, and investigating crime.
• Maintaining public order.
• Protecting and securing the inhabitants of the Republic and their property.
• Upholding and enforcing the law.

Generic Enlistment Requirements (SAPS Employment Amendment Regulations, 2023, 39(8)):

To be considered for this exciting opportunity, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Apply on the form determined by the National Commissioner and affirm under oath or by way of a solemn declaration that the particulars furnished in the application are true and correct.
• Be a citizen of the Republic of South Africa (documentary proof required).
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age and not older than thirty-five (35) years of age at the time of the closing date for applications (documentary proof required).
• Submit himself or herself to a physical and medical examination and be found physically, medically, and mentally fit for appointment.
• Undergo a psychological and integrity assessment and be found to comply with the profile of a police official.
• Be in possession of a Grade 12 school certificate or equivalent qualification (documentary proof required).
• Be proficient in at least English and one other official language.
• Be prepared to take the oath of office.
• Be prepared to undergo training as determined by the National Commissioner.
• Not have any tattoo marks which will be visible when wearing any uniform of the Service.
• Not have been declared unfit to possess a firearm.
• Not have any previous criminal convictions or any pending criminal cases.
• Not have been dismissed for serious misconduct from previous employment (dishonesty, violence, sexual harassment, or drug-related).
• Allow a buccal sample and fingerprints to be taken and verified against the criminal record system.
• Allow background enquiries to be made.
• Be prepared to undergo security vetting and obtain the required level of security clearance.
• Be prepared to serve anywhere in the Republic.

Selection Process & Preferences:

Preference will be given to applicants with a valid driver’s license for at least a light motor vehicle, in addition to the following qualifications:

• A relevant three (3) year tertiary qualification (NQF 6 or higher) in fields such as Criminal Law, Policing, Forensic Investigation, Criminology, Natural Science, LLB, Accounting Science, or Computer Science.
• Other three (3) year tertiary qualifications (NQF 6 or higher).
• Grade 12 school certificate with the minimum requirements for admission to a bachelor’s degree.

All applicants will be subjected to comprehensive assessments, including:

• Fitness testing (BMI ≤ 30 Kg/m², Male waist ≤ 102 cm, Female waist ≤ 90 cm)
• Psychometric and integrity testing
• Medical evaluation
• Interviews
• Verification of qualifications, driver’s licence, citizenship, and residential address.
• Vetting process including security screening, reference checking, social media presence, and fingerprint verification.

Important Disqualifications/Restrictions:

• Applicants previously dismissed from a Government Department due to misconduct will not be considered.
• Individuals with chronic diseases, physical impairments, or other health conditions that may interrupt the training programme may be excluded.
• Appearance in the National Register for Sex Offenders or Part B of the Child Protection Register will lead to disqualification.
• Applicants who are respondents in an interim or final protection order (Domestic Violence Act, Protection from Harassment Act) may be disqualified.
• Employees are prohibited from doing business with the State (Section 8 of the Public Administration Management Act of 2014). Successful applicants with existing businesses must deregister or relinquish directorship prior to enlistment or within one month thereafter.
• Remunerative work in the taxi, liquor, and security industries is prohibited.
• Applicants are limited to one application only.

How to Apply:

To apply online, please visit the South African Police Service website:

Apply Here on SAPS Website

Follow these step-by-step instructions for the electronic recruitment system:

1. Register your account on the SAPS site.
2. Enter your profile details through the Profile User page.
3. Log into your account.
4. On the home page, browse to the SAPS vacancy page link.
5. Locate and select the job you want to apply for (i.e., TRA26/27).
6. Enter personal details through the multi-steps application process and submit your application.

Enquiries:

For any specific enquiries, you can contact the officials listed below by province. Applicants are cautioned not to pay any fee for participating in SAPS recruitment processes.

• Western Cape: Col Matthasen, Capt Van Zyl, SAC Mzomba – (021) 409 6579 / 6584 / 6594 / 6580
• Eastern Cape: Col Botman, Capt E Du Randt, PPO Nxitywa, PO Kweleta – (040) 608 8790 / 7161 / 7145 / 7148 / 7245
• Northern Cape: Lt Col Diamond, PPO Syfers, PO Moorcroft – (053) 839 2864 / 3724 / 2813
• Free State: Lt Col CC Jackson, W/O IF Gailele, SAC L Loubser – (051) 507 6419 / 6807 / 6455
• Gauteng: Lt Col C Henning, Capt Kana, Capt Barnard, PO Motau – (011) 274 7913 / 7423 / 7424 / 7425
• Limpopo: Col Mukwevho, Lt Col Kobe, PPO Manoko, PPO Mphela, PO Kola – (015) 290 6094 / 6024 / 6026 / 6131
• North West: Col Nel, Capt Morake, PPO Rampai, AC Swana, AC Appie, AC Dikane – (018) 299 7097 / 7320 / 7194 / 7732 / 7139 / 7126
• Mpumalanga: Col Mavuso, Capt Hlubi – (013) 762 4648 / 4813
• KwaZulu Natal: Lt Col SN Zondo, Capt PL Machaie, PO P Moodley – (031) 325 4808 / 6194 / 6403

Correspondence will only be conducted with successful applicants. If you have not been contacted within 3 months after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. Submitting an application and undergoing selection processes does not guarantee appointment.