The South African Police Service (SAPS) has commenced on a police trainee recruitment drive for the year 2024/2025.

The announcement was made by the Deputy Minister of Police, Cassel Mathale during a National SAPS Career Expo in Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape on Saturday, 05 August 2023.

Mathale says the aim of the recruitment drive is to ensure sufficient boots on the ground to serve and protect the communities.

The drive aims to recruit 10 000 young people between the ages of 18 and 35. The candidates will undergo training to serve as men and women in blue.

According to the SAPS, there are currently 9000 trainees in academies throughout the country.

It is said that another 1000 will be enlisted for training in January 2024, bringing the total number of recruits trained to 10 000 in the 2023/2024 financial year.

“The 2024/2025 cohort is expected to commence their training in April 2024.

“Application forms will be made available at all police stations from Monday, 07 August,” SAPS said.

Mathale says: “We are embarking on this process to ensure more boots on the ground in an effort to maximise our crime combatting efforts”

The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola says the SAPS is targeting those with a passion for public service.

“We are inviting disciplined, upright and passionate candidates who are ready to serve and protect their communities.

“With more boots on the ground, we aim to enhance and improve our response to emerging crime trends.”