Katlego Sekhu

- Over 927 000 applications have been received for the SAPS Basic Police Development Programme.
- Only 5 500 spots are available, making it a highly competitive process.
- Successful candidates will face multiple assessments, including psychometric, physical, and medical evaluations.
With the recruitment window for the South African Police Service (SAPS) Basic Police Development Learning Programme (BPDLP) closing in less than 24 hours, the number of applications received has surged past 927 000.
As of Thursday, 17 July 2025, SAPS has confirmed that 927 877 applications have been submitted nationwide, marking one of the highest responses in recent years.
Female applicants continue to dominate the response, with 527 673 young women applying to join the force. Male applicants have submitted 400 204 applications to date.
Gauteng has emerged as the province with the highest number of applications, with more than 240 000 submissions. KwaZulu-Natal follows closely with over 179 000, while Limpopo accounts for more than 102 000 applications.
The Eastern Cape has received over 93 000 submissions, Mpumalanga more than 89 000, and the Western Cape sits at just over 76 000. The Free State and North West provinces have attracted more than 64 000 and 57 000 applications respectively. The Northern Cape recorded the lowest number with just over 22 000.
According to SAPS, 261 255 applicants currently possess a valid South African driver’s licence, which is a key requirement for progressing in the recruitment process.
Despite the overwhelming interest, SAPS has reiterated that only 5 500 spaces are available in this year’s training intake. Due to limited capacity, not all applicants will make it to the next stage.
Candidates who move forward in the process will undergo several assessments, including a psychometric and integrity test, physical fitness evaluations, medical screening, and a formal interview.
SAPS has wished all applicants the best of luck, encouraging them to stay informed as the selection process unfolds.
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