South Africa: Is SAPS recruiting police trainees as claimed?
The SAPS is recruiting—but the strongest candidates might already have an edge.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has refuted viral social media claims that a new recruitment phase for police trainees is underway. The announcement — widely shared across platforms on June 29, 2025 — prompted public confusion, but SAPS officials have confirmed unequivocally that no new intake has been announced.
What the Viral Post Claimed
The misleading post included a purported official notice and application links, urging job seekers to “apply now” for trainee positions.
However, SAPS communications officers in Heidelberg, Nigel, and Bedfordview—all clarified that no recruitment portal is open and the official website shows no current openings. Aspiring applicants are thus advised not to click on, share, or believe the viral post.
Repeated Warnings from SAPS National
This isn’t the first time SAPS has had to combat fake recruitment notices. In June 2024, SAPS officially debunked claims of a “10 000-trainee” intake—reminding the public that the prior campaign had closed in August 2023 and that the final recruits entered academies by early 2025 . Their official communications urge citizens to use only www.saps.gov.za and verified social channels for genuine updates.
How to Verify Genuine SAPS Recruitment Drives
SAPS advises applicants to:
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Visit the official SAPS careers page at www.saps.gov.za;
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Follow verified SAPS social media accounts, which are the only channels used for recruitment announcements;
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Avoid payment requests or “application fees” — SAPS recruitment protocols are always free of charge;
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Report suspicious recruitment posts to Crime Stop at 08600 10111, SAPS anti-corruption lines, or the nearest police station.
What’s Next: Genuine 2026 Trainee Intake on the Horizon
While no current intake exists, scheduled recruitment for the 2026 Police Trainee Programme is anticipated before the end of June 2025. SAPS has already announced plans to hire 5,500 new trainees, with a new online application system and intake through Basic Police Development Learning Programme (BPDLP). Interested candidates should prepare by reviewing official SAPS guidelines and confirming future timelines on verified platforms.
Why This Matters to Job Seekers
This scam highlights the dangers of misinformation in a country facing high youth unemployment. Many hopefuls are vulnerable to manipulation by fake job adverts that redirect them to phishing websites or extract fees. SAPS’s warnings — communicated through Heidelberg and Bedfordview outlets — protect citizens from falling prey to such schemes while underscoring the importance of official verification.
EDITOR’S NOTE:
This is to clarify that the application portal has now been opened by the South African Police Service. The above story was initially done when the portal was yet to open.
To apply, check our latest report on the opportunity HERE.
