The South African Police Service (SAPS) has unveiled a new digital recruitment system aimed at modernising and streamlining the hiring of police trainees. This move forms part of broader efforts to intensify the fight against crime and improve operational effectiveness across the service.
Online Recruitment Goes Live
The historic new online e-recruitment platform will replace the previous manual application system, with this shift is designed to tighten controls, enhance transparency, and eliminate corruption risks in the hiring process. Applicants are now able to submit their information digitally, reducing the chance of documents being “lost or manipulated.”
Importantly, SAPS reminds the public that applying is entirely free and any demands for payment are indicative of a scam. Two scammers have already been arrested for charging fees to hopeful applicants.
New Intake and Expanded Capacity
The Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, announced the upcoming recruitment of 5,500 new police trainees, with applications opening in June 2025, and training beginning in early 2026. This intake follows on the trend of aggressive recruitment, building on the previous 5,500 trainees already undergoing instruction this year, all of whom will be deployed by December.
Over the past three years, SAPS has added over 30,000 officers through Project 10 000, reinforcing both frontline and specialist units such as public order policing, forensic science, and detective services.
Reinforcements for High-Crime Areas
More than 4,000 officers will soon join the detective division, many of whom are being posted to 30 high-contact crime stations in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape, and the Eastern Cape. Retired detectives and those who left in good standing are also being brought back on a contractual basis. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI) will see a boost of over 785 additional investigators.
To support retention, SAPS is introducing a scarce skills allowance for detective investigators, adding to the existing service allowance.
Boosting Specialised and High-Risk Units
Specialised units such as the National Intervention Unit (NIU), Counter Assault Team (CAT), and Special Task Force (STF) are also receiving increased support. Members of these elite teams will benefit from higher scarce skills allowances as an incentive to remain in service.
Additional roles earmarked for similar allowances include hostage negotiators, divers, coastal vessel handlers, and airborne law enforcement officers.
Crime Intelligence, Forensics and Crowd Control
Crime intelligence capacity is set to expand with 300 new operatives currently in training. Simultaneously, 675 forensic analysts and crime scene experts are completing workplace training before joining forensic labs and local criminal record centres.
In the past two years, 5,000 public order police officers have been trained and deployed, significantly improving the state’s ability to manage large-scale protests and unrest.
Call Centres and Local Policing Strengthened
To improve emergency response, 575 new operators have been assigned to 10111 call centres. SAPS has also built 31 new police stations in the last five years, bringing services closer to communities in need.
A total of 150 station commander posts have been filled, particularly in high-crime provinces. These leaders are now required to complete induction and management training to ensure competent station oversight.
Promotion, Career Progression and Infrastructure
From 2018 to 2023, more than 57,000 officers have been promoted. SAPS is considering promoting a further 11,000 Constables, Sergeants, and Warrant Officers in this financial year. Additionally, 3,149 critical supervisory posts, including those under the Public Service Act, will be advertised and filled.
Plans are also in place to transition 80 civilian staff in K9 and Mounted units into sworn roles to better align responsibilities and improve operational integration.
Resources and Logistics
SAPS currently operates a fleet of over 43,000 vehicles. Investment is being directed toward expanding this fleet and improving repair turnaround times by hiring additional artisans and mechanics.
SAPS leadership have emphasised their commitment to operate “without fear or favour.” The new digital recruitment system is intended not only as a technological upgrade, but a signal of wider reform aimed at building a more effective, accountable, and community-focused police service.
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