South African Police Service (SAPS): Police Trainees / Internship Programme 2026

The South African Police Service is recruiting for entry level 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. 

Post Title: Police Trainee

Reference No: TRAINEE2025/2026

Act of Appointment: SAPS Act, 1995 (Act No 68 of 1995)

Remuneration during training: Stipend of R4500 per month (with applicable benefits)

On successful completion of Basic Training: R238 629 per annum

Successful candidates will undergo such training as, where and when determined by the National Commissioner, at any SAPS Training Academy in South Africa. 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 of the 21 -month Basic Police Development Learning Program.

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.

Responsibilities / Core Functions:

• Prevent, combat investigate crime;
• Maintain public order;
• Protect secure the inhabitants of the Republic and their property;
• Uphold enforce the law

Requirements:

• Be a citizen of the Republic of South Africa of which documentary proof must be provided;
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age and not older than thirty-five (35) years of age at the time of the closing date for applications stipulated in the relevant advertisement, of which documentary proof must be furnished;
• Submit himself or herself to a physical medical examination as determined by the National Commissioner and must be found to be physically, medically and mentally fit for appointment in the service;
• Undergo a psychological integrity assessment as determined by the National Commissioner and be found to comply with the profile of a police official;
• Be in possession of a Grade 12 school certificate or equivalent qualification of which documentary proof must be furnished;
• Be proficient in at least English and one other official language;
• Be prepared to take the oath of office;
• Be prepared to undergo such training as, where when determined by the National Commissioner;
• 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
• Allow a buccal sample his or her fingerprints to be taken and verified against the criminal record system;
• Allow background enquiries to be made;
• Be prepared to undergo security vetting obtain the level of security clearance determined by the National Commissioner
• Be prepared to serve anywhere in the Republic

Please Note:

Preference will be given to applicants with a valid driver’s license for at least a light motor vehicle, including the following qualifications:

• Applicants in possession of a relevant three (3) years tertiary qualification (NQF 6 or higher) i.e. Criminal Law / Policing / Forensic investigation etc.;
• Applicants in possession of other three (3) years tertiary qualification (NQF 6 or higher);
• Applicants in possession of Grade 12 school certificate with the minimum requirements for admission to Bachelor’s Degree;
• Applicants in possession of Grade 12 school certificate with the minimum requirements for admission to Diploma;
• Applicants in possession of Grade 12 school certificate with the minimum requirements for admission to Higher Certificate study.