This, as their job applications to become police trainees were rejected. They claim the SAPS created the impression of imminent employment by further asking for their banking details, and making them sign employee forms.

These reservists says they have been left in limbo.

They allege that in their applications they had been requested to undergo a fitness test, as per the norm, and after several months were told in late 2020 that they had failed the medical tests.

Meanwhile, Police spokesperson, Motantsi Makhele, confirmed that the reservists are part of those whose medical results were not suitable for them to be enlisted as police officials.

"Being healthy is something which is a critical requirement to be enlisted as a permanent member of the South African police service. They were called to the provincial office and this was explained to them. We realized that there are those who were not happy about this outcome, but it’s something which is in the policy of the organization when it comes to applicants to be enlisted. The individuals who still don’t understand are welcome to visit centres where they completed and handed in their applications, so that this can be explained to them again," Makhele adds.

Meanwhile, this group of reservists claim to have passed their psychometric, integrity tests and fitness assessment in November 2019.

OFM News