SAPS receives more than 300 000 applications for police trainees
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has received more than 300 000 profile registrations as thousands of young South Africans respond to its online recruitment drive for 5 500 police trainees. The recruitment portal...
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has received more than 300 000 profile registrations as thousands of young South Africans respond to its online recruitment drive for 5 500 police trainees.
The recruitment portal opened on 21 October 2026 with 156 131 profile registrations recorded nationwide in less than 24 hours after the portal opened.
As of Saturday, more than 232 000 applicants have completed profile verification, while over 190 000 have started their applications.
A total of 172 721 applications have been completed and submitted for the 5 500 available police trainee posts.
Female applicants have submitted more than 95 000 applications, while male applicants have submitted over 76 000.
Gauteng has recorded the highest number of submitted applications, with 49 518, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 33 661 and the Eastern Cape with 17 441.
The provincial figures are:
- Gauteng: 49 518
- KwaZulu-Natal: 33 661
- Eastern Cape: 17 441
- Limpopo: 16 251
- Western Cape: 16 249
- Mpumalanga: 14 900
- Free State: 11 345
- North West: 9 179
- Northern Cape: 4 177
The applications received by racial group are African: 160 000; Coloured: 11 000; Indian: 600; and White: 150.
“The high volume of traffic on the eRecruitment portal may result in delays or slower response times for applicants attempting to register or submit their applications.
“The portal remains operational. The SAPS Technology Management Services division, together with its technology partners, is working around the clock to manage the increased demand and ensure the continued functioning of the system.
“Applicants who have successfully submitted their applications are assured that their submissions remain valid and that no further action is required,” a police statement read.
SAPS has urged prospective applicants to be patient when using the portal and to avoid repeatedly trying to register or submit an application, as this adds pressure to the system.
Only applicants who have not received an acknowledgement email should consider reapplying.
Applicants are also encouraged to apply outside peak hours where possible and to rely exclusively on official SAPS communication channels for recruitment information and updates.
The eRecruitment portal is available at https://erecruitment.saps.gov.za.
The recruitment drive closes on Friday, 13 November 2026 and prospective applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the closing date. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Original report at SAnews.gov.za.