156 000 South Africans register for 5 500 SAPS jobs in under 24 hours

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has received more than 156 000 profile registrations in less than 24 hours after opening applications for 5 500 police trainee positions.

The online recruitment portal opened at midnight on Wednesday, 21 October, and attracted 156 131 registrations nationwide, highlighting the strong interest in joining the police service.

However, not everyone who registered had completed the necessary steps to submit an application.

According to SAPS, 78 473 people had completed profile verification, while 53 716 had started their applications.

A total of 29 013 applicants had successfully completed and submitted their applications through the online portal.

#sapsHQ [YOUR FUTURE. YOUR COUNTRY. YOUR CALL: SAPS OPENS ONLINE APPLICATIONS FOR 5 500 POLICE TRAINEES]

The nationwide online recruitment drive opens today, 21 October 2026, and closes on 13 November 2026.

Eligible applicants who have no criminal records or pending criminal… pic.twitter.com/wB3mKUXBI2

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) October 21, 2026

How to apply for SAPS trainee jobs

The recruitment drive is open to eligible South Africans under the age of 35, irrespective of race or gender, who meet the requirements for a career in policing.

Applicants must have no criminal record and no pending criminal cases.

Those who meet the criteria can apply through the official SAPS eRecruitment portal: Apply for SAPS trainee jobs online

The closing date for applications is 13 November 2026.

SAPS urges applicants to be patient

With thousands of people accessing the recruitment portal, SAPS has urged prospective applicants to be patient when registering profiles, verifying their details and completing their applications.

The police have also encouraged applicants to check that they meet all the requirements and submit their applications before the deadline.

Registering a profile does not mean an application has been completed. Applicants should ensure that they finish the process and successfully submit their applications through the official portal.

5 500 opportunities available

The recruitment campaign aims to bring 5 500 police trainees into the service, offering successful candidates an opportunity to pursue a policing career and contribute to the fight against crime.

With the closing date still three weeks ahead, prospective applicants who qualify have time to complete the online process.

However, given the early rush, applicants are encouraged not to leave their submissions until the last minute.

Payment

During the academy institution phase, all trainees receive a monthly stipend of R5 000.

Upon completing basic training and advancing to the probation phase as permanent constables, officers receive a starting salary of R248 175 per annum alongside standard public service benefits.

During the previous recruitment drive closing in July 2025, SAPS received 1 021 563 applications for 5 500 roles, including 334 765 tertiary graduates, highlighting severe youth unemployment in South Africa.