SAPS e-recruitment 2025: How to know your application was unsuccessful

SAPS is hiring—but meeting the criteria is only half the battle. Here’s what to expect.
With the conclusion of the South African Police Service (SAPS) 2025 e-recruitment application period, thousands of applicants are left wondering: what if I don’t get a response? The waiting game can be nerve-wracking, and many are unsure how long to wait before drawing conclusions about their application status.
To manage expectations, SAPS has clarified its stance in its official recruitment FAQs. According to the information provided, only shortlisted candidates will receive communication regarding the next steps in the recruitment process. This includes interviews, further assessments, or documentation requirements.
For those who do not receive any form of communication from SAPS within three months of the closing date, the unfortunate truth is that the application should be considered unsuccessful. There will be no separate rejection email or notification sent. This approach is likely due to the high volume of applications SAPS receives, which makes it logistically challenging to send feedback to every individual.
This silence may feel frustrating, but it is the current policy, and applicants are encouraged to take note of the timeline and plan accordingly. If you’ve applied and it’s been more than three months without a word, it’s safe to assume you were not shortlisted this time.
As always, applicants are encouraged not to be discouraged by a lack of feedback. SAPS recruitment runs regularly, and staying prepared, gaining relevant skills, and reapplying in the future could increase your chances of success.
It is frequently asked question on its website, SAPS wrote:
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.
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