The process to select 5,500 police trainees is still underway. Thousands of applicants are undergoing the first phase: psychometric and integrity testing assessments. 

This process is being conducted across all nine provinces, said police spokesperson Lt Col Amanda van Wyk.

“The multiphase selection process also entails a physical fitness evaluation, vetting, and a medical examination to ensure that only the most suitable candidates are enlisted,” she added.

The police have confirmed that it received a staggering 1,049,998 applications for its 2025/2026 Basic Police Development Learning Programme, which officially closed at midnight on Friday, 18 July.

Notably, 334,765 of the applicants already hold an NQF Level 6 qualification or higher, indicating strong interest from qualified young South Africans eager to pursue careers in law enforcement.

While national interest in the recruitment drive has been strong, regional disparities have emerged. The Free State (which houses less than 5% of SA’s population) received 73,214 applications (7% of the total). North West (6.1% of SA’s population) recorded 66,167 (6.3% of the total), and the Northern Cape (2.2% of SA’s population) had 26,186 applicants (2.5%).

“It should be noted, while all young people who meet the basic requirements were invited to apply, preference will be given to those who have a tertiary qualification on the level of NQF 6 and higher, as well as those who have a driver’s license,” said Van Wyk.

Training for the successful recruits is expected to begin next year, with the exact date to be confirmed at a later stage. The police urged all applicants to remain patient while the recruitment teams continue the rigorous selection process and communicate with suitable candidates.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cvs