SAPS finally moves with the times to launch online recruitment drive

More women want to join police force

- By Mpho Koka

Police unions have hailed the South African Police Service (SAPS) for the launch of its online applications system.

The police force seeks to fill 5500 police trainee vacancies, a move the unions say is a step in the right direction towards combating crime, dealing with the shortage of police officers, and allowing young people in rural areas to apply without having to incur transport costs.

South African Policing Union (Sapu) national spokesperson Lesiba Thobakgale said his organisation welcomes the initiative, a first for the SAPS.

"Sapu welcomes the initiative, as we know SAPS needs more manpower to combat crime.

“We would have loved to see the consistent 10000 initiative continuing as pronounced (promised) by the president during the State of the Nation Address a few years back.

“The e-recruitment is a step in the right direction.

“SAPS is also making recruitment easier for applicants. We must commend the management for that. The more manpower SAPS has, the more it can achieve in the fight against crime. The young people who are being recruited will bring a positive change to those efforts,” said Thobakgale.