In South Africa, the police force plays an important role in maintaining law and order, and one of the biggest employers is the South African Police Service. Each year, they open new SAPS vacancies across the country and offer jobs to people who want to support crime prevention, public safety, and administrative work. These positions aren’t only for officers or detectives. There are also job opportunities for support staff, including cleaning teams, admin clerks, and general workers, especially in places like KZN, where some departments are expanding.
The Hawks, which is a special unit under SAPS focused on high-level crimes, also recruits on its own when needed. Whether you’re applying for roles directly with SAPS or searching for Hawks vacancies, the recruitment process usually follows the public service application system used across government departments. SAPS hiring is structured with clear requirements for each job type. From office-based roles to field support, there’s a wide variety of job opportunities available depending on your skills, interests, and location. So, submit an online application as soon as possible.
For More Government Vacancies: Click Here
Company Name: | SAPS |
Employment Type: | Part Time / Full Time |
Job Location: | North West, Limpopo, Free State, & Across South Africa |
Posted Date: | August 8th, 2025 |
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SAPS Vacancies Open for Application in South Africa
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Overview – South African Police Service (SAPS)
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The South African Police Service, commonly known as SAPS, is the country’s official national police force. It was formed to serve and protect communities across all nine provinces, with a strong focus on safety, crime investigation, and public order. SAPS operates under the Department of Police and follows strict rules set by the government to make sure law enforcement is fair, consistent, and community-based. With stations across cities, towns, and rural areas, it is deeply involved in both local and national policing work.
In addition to the regular police services, SAPS also includes special divisions like crime intelligence, forensics, and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, which is better known as the Hawks. These divisions help tackle organised crime, corruption, and complicated cases that need expert teams. SAPS also runs training academies to prepare new recruits and regularly upgrades its systems to match the changing safety needs of the country. As a public service institution, it plays one of the most important roles in keeping the country stable and secure.
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Frequently Offered Jobs at SAPS
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SAPS offers a wide range of jobs, not just for trained officers but also for everyday support roles that help the system run effectively. These positions are available across different units, stations, and departments, depending on what each area needs. Whether it’s behind-the-scenes admin work or on-the-ground support, there’s often something open for people with different skill sets.
- General Worker
- Admin Clerk
- Cleaner / Cleaning Staff
- Security Officer
- Messenger
- HR Clerk
- Supply Chain Clerk
- Data Capturer
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What Makes SAPS an Excellent Place to Work?
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SAPS gives people a chance to work in a structured public service environment where duties are clearly outlined and training is provided. One of the strongest points about working for them is that it offers stability through government employment, with roles often related to long-term contracts and clear promotion opportunities. The working environment is generally well-organised, with each job linked to a fixed role and responsibility.
With over 180,000 employees nationwide and thousands of police stations, SAPS is one of the largest employers in the country. Their structure allows people to work in many areas, from finance to crime scene support, depending on their qualifications and interests. There are also training colleges that help staff build new skills or move up in the ranks. Even in non-officer roles like admin or general support, employees are part of a national effort to protect and serve communities.
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Employee Benefits with Salary Details
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Since SAPS is a government department, it follows public service policies for employee benefits, which means workers get access to support, fixed salary scales, and steady working hours. Whether you’re in an office, a local station, or out in the field, these benefits are meant to help staff stay safe, focused, and supported.
- Government medical aid cover is available for permanent staff
- Paid annual leave and sick leave based on public service rules
- Uniforms are provided for field staff and selected support roles
- Training programmes through SAPS colleges and internal workshops
- Access to wellness programmes, counselling, and mental health support
- Pension fund contributions through the Government Employees Pension Fund
- Risk allowance or extra pay for those in certain operational roles
Salaries at SAPS are paid according to the job level and the role’s responsibilities. Most support jobs are graded and follow fixed public service pay scales.
- General Worker: Around R5,000 to R6,000/month
- Admin Clerk: About R9,000 to R12,000/month, depending on experience
- Cleaning Staff: Roughly R4,500 to R5,500/month
- Security Officer: Between R6,000 and R8,500/month
- Data Capturer / HR Clerk: Usually R10,000 to R13,000/month
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Criteria & Requirements
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Because SAPS deals with public safety and crime prevention, even support roles need people who are responsible, honest, and able to follow clear rules. Most positions also require background checks and a basic understanding of working in an official environment.
- Must be a South African citizen with a valid ID
- Able to pass background screening, including fingerprint checks
- Physically fit and able to do manual tasks (for general work or cleaning roles)
- Good communication and reading skills for office-related positions
- Basic computer knowledge for admin, clerk, and data-capturing roles
- Willing to work in uniform or within a structured department
- Some roles may require a Grade 10 or Grade 12 certificate, depending on the level
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Application Process for SAPS Vacancies
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Those interested in SAPS vacancies can apply through the official recruitment portal, which follows the same system used by most government departments. All roles are listed publicly and must be applied for using the correct forms and documents. Anyone interested should make sure they read the post carefully and follow each step as required.
- Visit their website by clicking the given “Apply Here” icon.
- In the “SAPS E-RECRUITEMENT” section, choose your field of interest.
- Take a look at the listings below and choose one that interests you.
- Find the post you want and check the closing date.
- Download the official Z83 public service application form.
- Fill out the Z83 form clearly and attach a certified copy of your ID and qualifications.
- Submit your application to the listed address, either by hand or by post.
- Wait for SAPS to contact shortlisted candidates.
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