The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched its first-ever fully online application system for the 2026 trainee intake. With 5,500 trainee positions available and a more accessible platform, this is a great opportunity to serve your community and start a career in law enforcement.
If you’re ready to apply, this step-by-step guide will help you navigate the SAPS electronic recruitment portal and complete your application correctly.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before applying, make sure you have the following:
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A reliable internet connection
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A valid South African ID
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Your Matric Certificate (Grade 12)
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A certified copy of your documents (ID, Matric, Driver’s License if available)
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A valid email address and cellphone number
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All documents scanned and saved as PDFs or images
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A recent passport-size photo
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for SAPS 2026 Online
Step 1: Visit the SAPS Recruitment Website
Go to the official SAPS recruitment portal. You can access it through the SAPS website:
👉 www.saps.gov.za
Look for a banner or section titled “2026 Police Trainee Recruitment”.
⚠️ Avoid third-party websites and social media scams. Only use the official SAPS website.
Step 2: Register a New Profile
Click on “Register” or “Sign Up” to create your personal profile.
You will be asked to provide:
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Full name
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South African ID number
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Email address
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Cellphone number
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Password (create one you’ll remember)
After registering, you’ll receive a verification link in your email. Click it to activate your account.
Step 3: Log In to Your Profile
After activation, log in using your ID number and password. You’ll be directed to your personal dashboard.
Step 4: Complete Your Profile Information
Fill in all required personal details, including:
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Home address
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Emergency contact
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Education history
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Languages spoken
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Physical and medical condition (for fitness eligibility)
✅ Double-check your contact details to make sure SAPS can reach you.
Step 5: Upload Required Documents
Upload the following documents in PDF or image format:
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Certified copy of your ID
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Certified Matric certificate
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Driver’s license (if available)
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Recent passport-size photo
Make sure all documents are clear and not older than 3 months.
Step 6: Start a New Application
On your dashboard, click “Apply Now” or “New Application” under the SAPS Police Trainee Programme section.
Choose the 2026 intake and follow the prompts.
You’ll be asked to:
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Select your preferred province for training
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Agree to the terms and conditions
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Confirm all your details
Step 7: Submit Your Application
Once everything is complete and correct, click “Submit Application”.
You’ll get an on-screen confirmation and a reference number. Keep this number safe—you’ll need it to track your application status.
Step 8: Check Your Application Status
After submission, you can log in at any time to check your status. Updates will also be sent via email or SMS.
Pro Tips for a Successful Application
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Apply early to avoid last-minute website traffic.
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Use a desktop or laptop instead of a phone for better navigation.
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Keep a digital and printed copy of your documents and reference number.
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Follow SAPS on social media for updates and announcements.
What to Avoid
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Don’t use someone else’s contact information.
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Don’t upload blurry or expired documents.
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Don’t trust WhatsApp “recruiters” or fake job posters.
Conclusion
Applying for SAPS 2026 online is now easier than ever, thanks to the new digital recruitment system. With just a few simple steps, you can begin your journey toward becoming a police officer and making a real impact in South Africa.
Start preparing today and be ready to apply as soon as applications open before 30 June 2025.
