How To Apply for Police Service Employment in South Africa

South Africa is well below the UN recommended police to population ratio. In fact, the country needs to employ 60,000 more police officers to meet this standard.

Police minister Bheki Cele on Sunday revealed that South Africa’s police to citizen ratio is currently 1:383, as opposed to the recommended international standard of 1:220.

He revealed that the government is always in a dilemma, on whether to hire more personnel amidst talk of a bloated civil service.

“Usually people talk about the bloated civil service, but what is not mentioned are the areas that still need to (hire). At the present moment, there are 193,000 police officers, which is 60,000 short of the international ratio.

“We hope that we will be able to reach these figures within the next five years.”

So, what does it really take to be an Police officer in South Africa?

SAPS has laid out a list of requirements, and we have them below. If you meet these requirements, be sure to check out the SAPS careers page, for any recruitment opportunities. You will be able to download the application form from there.

1. Fill out the official application form and affirm under oath or by means of a solemn declaration that the information he/she supplied on the application, is true and correct

2. Have permanent residency in the Republic of South Africa (RSA), of which he/she must give documentary proof

3. Be at least 18 years old, but younger than 30 years (documentary proof is needed)

4. Undergo a physical and medical examination as determined by the SAPS, and must be found to be physically and mentally fit to be appointed in the post for which he/she applies

5. Undergo a psychological assessment as determined by the National Commissioner of the SAPS, and must be found to fit the profile of a police official

6. Have a Senior Certificate (Grade 12) or an equivalent qualification, of which he/she must present documentary proof

7. Be fluent in English and at least one other official language

8. Be prepared to take the oath of office

9. Be prepared to undergo any training as determined by the National Commissioner of the SAPS

10. Not have any visible tattoos that are contrary to the objectives of the SAPS

11. Not have previous criminal convictions

12. Let his/her fingerprints be taken

13. Be prepared to have his/her background checked

14. Be prepared to serve anywhere in South Africa