ALMOST 1 MILLION YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE APPLIED FOR SAPS TRAINEE POSTS

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that over 927,000 applications have been received for the 2025/2026 Police Trainee Programme with only 5,500 positions available. The deadline for applications is midnight tonight.

This means that only 0.6% of applicants will be accepted into the Basic Police Development Learning Programme (BPLDP), making it one of the most competitive government recruitment drives in recent history.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe revealed that young women are leading the charge, with 527,673 female applicants compared to 400,204 male applicants.

“The service is looking for young, energetic, intelligent, physically and mentally fit individuals,” said Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, SAPS Spokesperson

The top three provinces with the highest number of applications are:
• Gauteng – 240,000+
• KwaZulu-Natal – 179,000
• Limpopo – 102,000

The Northern Cape recorded the fewest applications, with just over 22,000.

💼 What’s Next?

The recruitment process will now move into the screening and selection phase, which includes:
• Psychometric assesments.

• Physical fitness tests
• Medical evaluations
• Integrity checks and interviews

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Those who make it into the programme will begin their journey at a SAPS Training Academy.

During training, recruits will receive a monthly stipend of R4,500. After successful completion, they will graduate into the probation phase with a starting salary of R238,629 per annum, including medical aid, pension, and other government benefits.

🎓 Specialised Units for Graduates

SAPS has also indicated that applicants who hold diplomas or degrees in fields such as:
• Law
• Policing
• Criminology
• Law Enforcement
• Forensic Investigation
• Information Technology (IT)

…may be considered for elite placements in specialised units like:
• Crime Intelligence
• The Hawks (DPCI)
• Forensic Services

📢 Final Reminder: Apply Before Midnight

Applicants are reminded that:
• Only one application per person is allowed.
• Submissions must be done online via the official SAPS Careers Portal at www.saps.gov.za.

Good Luck to all applicants!