With the mass-increasing rate of crime in South Africa, it is best for SAPS to recruit people to help combat the outrageous increase of crimes in the country.
What Is SAPS
The South African Police Service, SAPS as they are affectionately known, is the powerhouse, which is the national police force of the people of South Africa. It has an estimated 1, 154 police stations which have been fairly distributed to the provincial borders. In each of these provinces, a commissioner is appointed to oversee everything that goes on in the province. This commissioner in that capacity reports to the National Commissioner.
SAPS was formed in 1995 with the headquarters in Pretoria. SAPS is divided into six divisions namely the Crime Combating and Investigation Division, the Visible Policing Division, the Internal Stability Division, the Community Relations Division, the Supporting Services Division, and the Human Resource Management Division.
Duties of SAPS
- They see to the prevention of any ills that may cause harm or threaten the lives of the citizens of South Africa
- They see to the investigation of crimes that equally threaten the peace and stability of the country
- Make sure that those who disobey the law are brought to the face of justice
- See to the eradicating of crimes
What Does It Take For One To Join SAPS?
- The applicant needs to be a South African native
- The Applicant must be of legal age that is 18 years old to be able to apply but should be below the age of 30
- The applicant needs to have a driver’s license, a valid one so to speak
- The applicant must make sure he or she has no criminal record
- The applicant needs to be fluent in English and also, one other official language, at least
A-List of SAPS Training Colleges in South Africa
Below is a list of the current SAPS training colleges in South Africa
- South African Police Services Academy Tshwane (Gauteng)
- South African Police Services Academy Bishop Lavis (Western Cape)
- South African Police Academy Oudtshoorn (Western Cape)
- South African Police Academy Phillipi (Western Cape)
- South African Police Services Academy All Saints (Eastern Cape)
- South African Police Services Academy Bisho (Eastern Cape)
- South African Police Services Academy Graaf -Reinet (Eastern Cape)
- South African Police Services Academy Umtata (Eastern Cape)
- South African Police Services Academy Chatsworth (Kwazulu-Natal)
- South African Police Services Academy Ulundi (Kwazulu-Natal)
Is Matric A Necessity Before Joining SAPS?
The simple answer here is Yes. You do not need Matric to become a police officer. However, there is a need for you to pass the compulsory languages and mathematics or mathematical literacy. Additionally, you do not need to have a Diploma or Degree to join the force.
SAPS Recruitment Process
If you are looking forward to joining the South African police Services, then you should be in the know of the recruitment process and familiarize yourself with them before you are even given the knot to join. The process comes in three stages. Below, we have listed them, explaining what each stage or process comes with and what they mean.
- Induction Phase– This is the first stage of the training. At this stage, the recruits are introduced to mainly indoor teachings such as health-related subjects, the use of first aid, human rights, the safety of the community amongst others.
- The Basic Training Phase– here, they go through physical training as well as teachings on criminal law, how to respond to emergencies plus more
- The Probation Phase– this comes after the trainee has been able to successfully pass through the first and second phases. Here they are put on 12 months of probation to serve their country.
SAPS Training
Most often than not, it is said that the job requires a great deal of commitment, coupled with top-notch communication skills, integrity, and perseverance.
Applicants must be willing and ready to adhere to all rules and regulations that come with the service per the SAPS act 1995. Here is a list of the rules;
- The applicant must swear under oath that they will comply with all the rules and regulations that come with the force and will make sure to give only the correct information while filling the form
- The applicant must show with evidence that they have a permanent home in South Africa
- They must provide proof that they are 18 years old and less than 30 years old
- They must be ready to undergo any physical and medical examination to confirm that they are of good health and sound mind
- Again, they must present themselves to undergo a psychological examination to ascertain whether they have what it takes to be a SAPS officer
- They must have a Senior Certificate with achieving grade of 12 or any relevant qualification to this effect
- They should be fluent in English and at least, one other official language
- They should be ready to swear an oath of office
- They should not have any tattoos on them
- They should be ready for their life to be checked with a fine-tooth comb
- They will be ready to serve in any part of South Africa
- They have no criminal records
- They are willing for their fingerprints to be taken
How to apply for a SAPS Career
To apply to the South African Police Service;
- Visit the official website of SAPS at https://www.saps.gov.za/
- Click on the ‘Apply Link’
- Follow the prompts after clicking on the Apply Link to apply
SAPS Application/Closing Dates
The South African Police Services have opened an online application to receive recruits into the force. The application window is from now to 15th October when it closes. Prospects are advised to use this period to apply as there is no room for late applications.
The Structure of the Basic Police Development Learning Programme
The Basic Police Development programme is in three folds and at each stage, recruits have specific things to learn. The good part is, that they get to earn money even as they train to become a part of the force. Here is the structure.
The recruitment is typically two years. The first year will be purposely for training and the following year will be spent on the job or the field.
- In phase 1 which is the Academy phase– they spend 10 months at the academy where they centre on learning the necessary skills and knowledge. They earn R3, 175 00 in a month with free meals and accommodation, medical care but with no pension fund.
- Phase 2 and 3– this is where they gain work experience and are later integrated into the force for two months of assessment. They earn R7 275 00 in a month, prepare their meals and see to their accommodation with medical care, pension fund including all other benefits
- Permanent appointment after two years– They earn R10, 307 00 per month with all benefits which are applicable to SAPS Act members
Types Of SAPS Career and Vacancies One Can Apply
- Provincial Commander: Corporate Support Service
Located at Free State
Closing Date- 1-04-2022
- Provincial Commander: Corporate Support Service
Located at Mpumulanga
Closing Date- 1-04-2022
- Provincial Commander: Corporate Support Service
Located in Northern Cape
Closing Date- 1-04-2022
- Provincial Commander: Corporate Support Service
Located at Eastern Cape
Closing Date- 1-04-2022
- Provincial Commander: Corporate Support Service
Located in Kwazulu-Natal
Closing Date- 1-04-2022
- Provincial Commander: Corporate Support Service
Located in Western Cape
Closing Date- 1-04-2022
For further information on SAPS vacancies, visit https://www.saps.gov.za/careers/careers.php