SAPS 5,500 Police Trainees 2026/2027 – Exciting Career Opportunities for South African Youth

The South African Police Service is recruiting for entry level 5,500 Police Trainees and invites applications from all races and gender, i.e. from young, energetic, intelligent, physically and mentally fit individuals, dedicated to serving their country by pursuing a career in Policing as Police Trainees.

The enlistment details are as follows:

Post title: Police Trainee
Reference: TRA26/27
Remuneration during training: Stipend of R5000 per month (with applicable benefits).
On successful completion of Basic Training: (Constable) R248 175 per annum.

Period of Training:

Induction Phase

• One (1) month at a designated police station.

Basic Police Development Learning Programme/ Introductory Police Development Learning Programme:

Successful candidates will undergo such training as, where and when determined by the National Commissioner, at any SAPS Training Academy in South Africa.

Probation period:

After successful completion the Basic Training Phase, the police trainee shall be appointed as a member of the Service under probation for a period of 12 months.

During the Basic Training Phase, the SAPS shall provide free training gear, meals and accommodation to the police trainee.

Trainees will receive medical aid benefits for the duration Basic Police Development Learning Programme/ Introductory Police Development Learning Programme.

The role of Police Trainees is crucial for maintaining safety and order in communities.

Upon successful completion of the Basic Training, the trainees will be considered for permanent appointment as members of the SAPS on the rank of Constable.

As part of their training, Police Trainees will learn essential skills to serve effectively.

Core Functions:

Successful candidates will serve as functional police officials. As such, they will be deployed to carry out the following functions:

1. Prevent, combat and investigate crime;
2. Maintain public order;
3. Protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and their property; and
4. Uphold and enforce the law.

A person who applies to be employed as an entry level police trainee must:

• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age and not older than thirty-five (35) years of age.
• Be in possession of a grade 12 school certificate or equivalent qualification.
• Be proficient in at least English and one other official language.
• Be prepared to take the oath of office.
• Be prepared to serve anywhere in the Republic.
• 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 the employ of a previous employer, where such dismissal relates to any act of dishonesty or violence; sexual harassment or is drug related;

General Information:

Police Trainees will undergo comprehensive training to prepare for their duties.

The step-by-step guide to apply for utilising the SAPS electronic recruitment system are as follows:

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

Applicants performing other remunerative work outside the Public Service will be required to apply for authorisation within the first month of entering into the Memorandum of Agreement and non-adherence to the mentioned National Instruction may lead to termination of the Memorandum of Agreement entered into with the South African Police Service.

Correspondence will be conducted with successful applicants only. If an applicant has not been contacted within 3 months after the closing date of this advertisement, it should be accepted that such applicant was unsuccessful in his or her application.

Successful applicants will join the ranks of Police Trainees dedicated to service.

❖ Applicants accept that a limited number of posts is available and being subjected to the selection processes is not a guarantee for appointment.

❖ Applicants should take note that they are limited to one application. The system is restricted and will only accept one application.

Remember, only a limited number of Police Trainees will be appointed.

❖ The South African Police Service is under no obligation to appoint any person who applied for appointment / enlistment.

❖ Applicants are cautioned not to pay any fee to any person for participating in the SAPS recruitment processes.

Apply Online for the SAPS 5,500 Police Trainees 2026/2027

Join the new cohort of Police Trainees and make a difference.

The closing date is 13 November 2026.