E-recruitment: SAPS clarifies 30 key issues as July 18 deadline nears — here’s all to know

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July 12, 2025
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The SAPS is recruiting—but the strongest candidates might already have an edge.

As thousands of aspiring candidates continue to submit applications for the South African Police Service (SAPS) 2025 e-recruitment intake, the organisation has moved to provide clarity on a number of frequently asked questions. With the application window set to close on July 18, 2025, SAPS is working to address widespread concerns and confusion around eligibility, documentation, and how the online system works.

SAPS acknowledged that many applicants—particularly first-time users of the e-recruitment platform—have raised repeated queries and misconceptions, especially on social media. In response, the service has published a detailed list of FAQs covering topics such as how to upload documents, how to track an application, and what to expect after the submission phase.

This initiative is part of SAPS’s broader effort to ensure a transparent, accessible, and corruption-free recruitment process. By addressing these concerns head-on, the police service aims to guide applicants more effectively while dispelling misinformation as the deadline approaches.

Below is e-recruitment frequently asked questions and answers by SAPS.

1. How do I register on the e-Recruitment portal?

To register, visit erecruitment.saps.gov.za, click “Sign In,” and follow the prompts to create a profile. You’ll need to provide personal details, accept the terms and conditions, and complete your profile.

2. I forgot my password. How can I reset it?

Click on “Forgot Password” on the login page. If you continue to experience issues, contact your provincial recruitment office. They will escalate unresolved cases to TMS national support.

3. I’m having trouble uploading documents. What should I do?

Check your internet connection and try refreshing the page. Ensure your files are in the correct format (PDF, DOCX, etc.) and under the size limit. If the issue persists, contact your provincial recruitment office.

4. Where can I find open job postings?

All current vacancies are listed on the e-Recruitment portal homepage. You can filter by location, job type, or department.

5. What is the closing date for applications?

The closing date for the current recruitment cycle is 18 July 2025

6. What happened if I get the message email address exist or already taken, ID already registered?

Step by step process to rectify or updating applicants` profiles / fixing the problem of existing e-mail addresses:

Openthe portal link erecruitment.saps.gov.za/profile .
Sign in with your username and password.
Capture the rest of your personal information. eg full name, last name
Click the update button.

7. Who do I contact for help?

Each province has designated contact numbers and email addresses. These are listed on the portal. For unresolved issues, queries are escalated to TMS national support.

8. What happens after I submit my application?

You will receive a confirmation email. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessments or interviews

9. Is there a way to track my application status?

Currently, application status updates are sent via email. A tracking feature may be introduced in future updates.

10. Will there be support available internally?

Yes, a Hypercare support structure is in place, including Level 1–3 support and daily stand-up meetings to address issues promptly.

11. Can I update my supporting documents after submitting my application?

Yes, you may update your supporting documents at any time before the application closing date. Simply log in to your profile, navigate to your application, and upload the new documents before the application closing date.

12. If I registered with the wrong email address?

Registration confirmation email – If you registered using an incorrect email address, the email receiver will receive the registration email with an email address to report if that they did not register on the SAPS e-Recruitment site, and that the registration log in details will be reset.

13. Will I be able to apply if I don’t have an email address?

No, you will not be able to apply if you don’t have an email address.

14. What should I do if I registered with the wrong email address?

If you used an incorrect email during registration, please contact the SAPS support team at Send Email [email protected] They will assist you in correcting your registration details before the application closing date.

15. What if I didn’t receive a confirmation email after registering?

ue to high traffic, some confirmation emails may be delayed. Please check your spam/junk folder. If you still haven’t received it, try logging in with your credentials—your profile may already be active. A media statement will be issued if delays persist.

16. Can I re-register if I didn’t get a confirmation email?

No. Please do not re-register. Instead, try logging in with your original credentials. If you’re unsure, contact your provincial recruitment office or email [email protected] for assistance.

17. What kind of emails will I receive from SAPS?

You will receive emails confirming your registration, application submission, and optional actions. These emails will come from [email protected] Note that the mailbox is not monitored.

[email protected]	Stage	Message	Supporting email
Registration No Reply	At registration	You have successfully registered on the SAPS Portal. Please complete your profile to apply for vacancies. Ensure you have read and accepted the terms and conditions. Link to SAPS Portal – SAPS Portal	No SAPS email.
Logged In No Reply	At each time logged in	You have successfully logged into the SAPS e-Recruitment system. If this wasn’t you, please contact our support team immediately at [email protected]. If you are unable to report the incident, please reset your password as a precaution. Alternatively, you may request for your account to be removed by emailing us at the same address.	[email protected]
Application Submission No Reply	Conclusion of application	Your application has been received. You may expect a further correspondence from the SAPS in due course. In the event that you have not been contacted within 3 months from the date of your application, you should consider such application as unsuccessful Your application reference no is xxxxxxxx Please see link to your application – SAPS Portal	No SAPS email.
Account Deletion No Reply	Depends on Applicant	Your profile has been successfully deleted.	No SAPS email.
Reset Password No Reply	Forgot Password	A password reset was requested for your account. Please click the following link to start the password reset process. Reset Password link.	No SAPS email.

18. Why is the e-Recruitment site slow or unresponsive?

The site is experiencing high volumes of traffic. Performance is being monitored and optimised continuously.

19. What if I see an error saying my email is already taken?

This means you’ve already registered. Please try logging in with your existing credentials or use the “Forgot Password” option. If you need help, contact your provincial recruitment office.

20. Can I get help with technical issues like login errors or page loading problems?

Yes, issues are triaged and resolved based on severity. You can report issues to your provincial recruitment officer, who will escalate them if needed.

21. Will I be able to apply if I use an email address that was already utilized by a friend/family member?

No, the system will not allow the same email address to be used more than once.

22. Will there be any costs involved in my application?

No, there will be no costs involved by the applicant in the recruitment process. If any employee / member or any other person request the payment of any funds such incidents must be reported to the SAPS for investigation.

23. Will I be notified if my application is unsuccessful?

No, applicant who does not receive any communication from the SAPS within three (3) months of the closing date should assume that their application is unsuccessful.

24. Will my application be rejected if I do not upload certified documents?

No, the application will not be rejected, but it will be expected from the applicant to submit fully completed documents and certified copies of qualifications when selected and contacted to participate further in the process.

25. Can I apply via E-mail or by submitting hard copies to stations and/ or Provinces.

No, only applications submitted through the e-Recruitment Online system will be considered.

26. Can I submit my application via the provided e-mail address?

No, applications must be registered on the SAPS e-recruitment site. Provided e-mails are for enquiries related to the advertisement and seeking assistance or reporting of technical glitches that are experienced when registering applications on the SAPS e-recruitment site.

27. Will I receive a response if I reply via e-mail?

No. You can only apply online via the link provided.

28. Why are some applicants unable to update their profile?

The issue was linked to incomplete email addresses during registration. Once corrected on the backend applicants were able to update profiles successfully.

29. What should applicants do if they can’t update their profiles?

They should log in and complete missing fields like full name, driver’s license and matric details.

30. Can applicants change their email addresses post registration?

Currently the system does not allow this. However, the team is exploring backend solutions to enable email and phone number updates.

What the SAPS Is Looking For in 2025

SAPS earlier announced that it is looking for young men and women aged 18 to 35 to apply as police trainees. The opportunity is part of a broader national push to strengthen law enforcement, reduce crime, and improve community relations.

However, only those who meet specific criteria will be considered, including: