The South African Police Service (SAPS) has announced 200 vacancies for the re-enlistment of former SAPS members who previously served at the ranks of Constable, Sergeant or Warrant Officer.
The recruitment forms part of the SAPS Project 2026/2027, which aims to strengthen and capacitate the Detective Services. All successful candidates will be placed in Detective Services, regardless of the environment or division in which they previously served.
SAPS Re-Enlistment Vacancies 2026/2027
Former SAPS members who meet the requirements are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
| Position / Rank | Number of Vacancies | Starting Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Constable | Part of 200 posts | R248,175 per annum |
| Sergeant | Part of 200 posts | R311,382 per annum |
| Warrant Officer | Part of 200 posts | R385,740 per annum |
The salaries listed above are the commencing remuneration for the respective ranks.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be former members of the South African Police Service who were appointed under the Police Service Act 68 of 1995 and previously held the rank of Constable, Sergeant or Warrant Officer. Former members must also have successfully completed basic police training and relevant functional police training where applicable.
SAPS Re-Enlistment Requirements
To be considered for re-enlistment, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must previously have been appointed as a SAPS member under the Police Service Act 68 of 1995 at the rank of Constable, Sergeant or Warrant Officer.
- Must have successfully completed basic police training and relevant functional police training courses, where applicable.
- Must have had a good disciplinary and attendance record during previous SAPS employment.
- Must have at least a Grade 12 (Senior Certificate) or higher qualification.
- Must hold a valid light motor vehicle driver’s licence (Code B).
- Must be a South African citizen and provide documentary proof.
- Must be proficient in at least two official languages, with one being English.
- Must be willing to undergo a medical examination as determined by the National Commissioner.
- Must undergo a psychological assessment and meet the required profile of a police official.
- Must not have tattoo marks that are visible while wearing any SAPS uniform.
- Must have no previous criminal convictions or pending criminal or disciplinary cases.
- Must consent to fingerprinting and background enquiries.
- Must not have been declared unfit to possess a firearm.
- Must be prepared to be deployed according to the needs of the Service, including relocating at their own expense if required.
- Must not participate in any business or activity that creates a conflict of interest with the integrity of the Service.
- Must be willing to complete a refresher course or other training as determined by the National Commissioner.
Detective Training
Successful candidates who do not have previous detective experience or formal detective training will be required to undergo three months of training immediately after appointment. Successful applicants will also be subjected to the required vetting under the Children’s Act and the National Sex Offenders Register. Candidates whose particulars appear on the relevant disqualification registers will not be appointed.
Additional Requirements
Applicants must:
- Not be older than 55 years of age on the closing date of the advertisement.
- Undergo a psychometric assessment and meet the required profile of a police official.
- Undergo a medical examination and be declared fit for employment by the Health Risk Manager on the day of the medical assessment.
Who Will Not Be Considered?
Applications from former SAPS members who left the Service under any of the following circumstances will not be considered:
- Reached retirement age, including early or compulsory retirement.
- Were dishonourably discharged or dismissed.
- Left the Service while disciplinary enquiries or criminal proceedings were still pending.
- Left the Public Service with a severance package.
- Left the Service because of ill health or retirement/medical boarding.
Documents Required
Applicants must use the official SAPS application form. The previously used Z83 form will not be accepted. A completed application must be accompanied by:
- A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- An uncertified copy of the applicant’s ID.
- An uncertified copy of the Senior Certificate.
- Uncertified copies of all educational qualifications obtained.
- Service certificates from previous employers indicating the occupation.
- Proof of relevant experience in the field of the post.
- A copy of the motor vehicle driver’s licence.
Shortlisted candidates must produce original documents during the selection process when requested. Qualifications and driver’s licences will be verified with the relevant institutions.
Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo:
- Personal interviews.
- Practical assessments.
- Reference checks.
- Fingerprint screening.
- Residential address verification.
- Psychometric assessment.
- Medical examination.
- Required security and background vetting.
Candidates appearing on the National Register for Sex Offenders or Part B of the Child Protection Register will be disqualified from appointment to the relevant post.
Important Application Information
Applicants should carefully follow all instructions on the official application form. The post particulars and reference number must be correctly specified on the application form.
Late applications will not be accepted or considered. Applications sent by email will also not be accepted.
Applicants should also note that applying does not guarantee appointment. SAPS is under no obligation to re-enlist every former member who applies or to fill every advertised post.
SAPS Re-Enlistment Closing Date
Closing Date: 15 September 2026 Applications must reach the relevant SAPS recruitment office by the closing date. Late applications will not be considered.
Where to Submit Your Application
Applications can be directed to the relevant provincial SAPS Recruitment Office or to the SAPS Head Office for the Detective Services division.
Western Cape
Postal Address:
The Provincial Commissioner
South African Police Service Recruitment Office
Private Bag X 9004
Cape Town, 8000
Hand Delivery:
1st Floor, Customs House Building
Lower Heerengracht Street
Cape Town
Telephone: (021) 409 6579 / 6584 / 6594 / 6580
Eastern Cape
Postal Address:
The Provincial Commissioner
South African Police Service Recruitment Office
Private Bag X 7471
King Williams Town, 5601
Hand Delivery:
Recruitment & Staffing
SAPS Provincial Head Office
Old Griffiths Mxenge Building
Buffalo Street
Zwelitsha
Telephone: (040) 608 7153 / 7156 / 7157 / 7158 / 7245 / 7248 / 7161
Northern Cape
Postal Address:
The Provincial Commissioner
South African Police Service Recruitment Office
Private Bag X5001
Kimberley, 8300
Hand Delivery:
Lewende Hawe Building
19 George Street
Kimberley
Telephone: (053) 839 2869 / 3724 / 2813
Free State
Postal Address:
The Provincial Commissioner
South African Police Service Recruitment Office
Private Bag 20501
Bloemfontein, 9300
Hand Delivery:
No. 126 Charlotte Maxeke Street
Metpol Building, at Reception
Bloemfontein
Telephone: (051) 507 6407 / 6807
Gauteng
Postal Address:
The Provincial Commissioner
South African Police Service Recruitment Office
Private Bag X57
Braamfontein, 2193
Hand Delivery:
16 Empire Road
Parktown
Johannesburg
Telephone: (011) 274 7913 / 7423 / 7424 / 7425
Limpopo
Postal Address:
The Provincial Commissioner
South African Police Service Recruitment Office
Private Bag X 9428
Polokwane, 0700
Hand Delivery:
Landbank Building
44 Schoeman Street
Polokwane
Telephone: (015) 290 6094 / 6024 / 6026 / 6131
North West
Postal Address:
The Provincial Commissioner
South African Police Service Recruitment Office
Private Bag X 801
Potchefstroom, 2520
Hand Delivery:
Recruitment Office No. 203, 2nd Floor
WESPOL Building
Corner Mandela Drive and Peter Mokaba Street
Potchefstroom
Telephone: 018 299 7097 / 7320 / 7194 / 7732 / 7139 / 7126
Mpumalanga
Postal Address:
The Provincial Commissioner
South African Police Service Recruitment Office
Private Bag X 11299
Nelspruit, 1200
Hand Delivery:
Provincial Office, Recruitment and Staffing
South African Police Service
Ehmke Street No. 04
Nelspruit
Telephone: (013) 762 4810 / 4898 / 4808 / 4811 / 4809 / 4318
KwaZulu-Natal
Postal Address:
The Provincial Commissioner
South African Police Service Recruitment Office
P.O. Box 1965
Durban, 4000
Hand Delivery:
6th Floor, Servamus Building
Room 619 / 620
15 Bram Fischer Road
Durban
Telephone: (031) 325 4808 / 6194 / 6403
SAPS Head Office – Detective Services
Applicants can also direct applications to:
The Divisional Commissioner: Forensic and Detective Services
South African Police Service
Private Bag X 302
Pretoria, 0001
Hand Delivery:
SAPS Head Office
231 Pretorius Street
Pretoria
Enquiries:
Lt Col WB Chauke
Capt T Ntuli
PPO Kgwedi
Telephone: 012 393 1633 / 4478 / 2480
How to Apply for SAPS Re-Enlistment Vacancies 2026/2027
- Interested former SAPS members should first obtain the official SAPS application form from the SAPS website or from a SAPS Police Station/Recruitment Office.
- Applicants should complete the official form carefully, attach all required supporting documents and submit the application to the appropriate address specified in the advertisement.
- Important: The Z83 form is not accepted for this recruitment project, and e-mailed applications will not be accepted.
Official SAPS Career Page
For the official advertisement, application form and further application instructions, visit the South African Police Service careers page: SAPS Official Website: www.saps.gov.za Former SAPS members interested in these opportunities should ensure that they meet all eligibility requirements and submit their applications before 15 September 2026.
Final Note
The SAPS Re-Enlistment Project 2026/2027 provides an opportunity for eligible former police members at the ranks of Constable, Sergeant and Warrant Officer to return to the Service. However, all successful candidates will be deployed to Detective Services, and candidates without formal detective experience may be required to complete three months of training after appointment. Applicants are strongly advised to read the official advertisement and application form carefully before submitting their applications.
