SAPS Vacancies 2026: 5,500 Police Trainees, Cleaner and Garden Worker Posts Available

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is recruiting applicants for its 2026/2027 Police Trainee Programme, with 5,500 trainee opportunities available nationally. In addition to the police trainee intake, SAPS has advertised civilian employment opportunities, including two Cleaner posts and one Garden Worker post at its National Operational Command Centre in Pretoria West.

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These opportunities may interest South Africans seeking careers in law enforcement, cleaning services, gardening and general support work.

The police trainee programme offers a monthly stipend of R5,000, while the advertised Cleaner and Garden Worker positions offer a salary of R144,024 per annum. Applicants must carefully review the requirements and follow the correct application process for the position they wish to pursue.

The police trainee application is submitted online, while the civilian vacancies listed in DPSA Circular 38 of 2026 require applications using the prescribed Z83 form and a comprehensive CV.

1. SAPS Police Trainee Programme 2026/2027: 5,500 Posts

The SAPS Police Trainee Programme is open to eligible South African citizens interested in joining the police service and receiving professional police training.

Police Trainee Opportunity Details

• Employer: South African Police Service

• Position: Student Police Trainee

• Reference Number: TRA26/27

• Number of Posts: 5,500

• Location: National

• Appointment Type: Contract

• Monthly Stipend: R5,000

• Closing Date: 13 November 2026

The programme prepares trainees for police duties, including crime prevention, maintaining public order, protecting people and property, and enforcing the law.

Minimum Requirements for Police Trainees

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a South African citizen.

• Be between 18 and 35 years old on the closing date.

• Have a Grade 12 certificate or an equivalent qualification.

• Be proficient in English and at least one other official language.

• Be physically, medically and mentally fit for police training.

• Have no previous criminal convictions or pending criminal cases.

• Not have visible tattoo marks when wearing the SAPS uniform.

• Not have been declared unfit to possess a firearm.

• Be willing to undergo police training and take the oath of office.

• Be willing to serve anywhere in South Africa.

• Consent to fingerprint verification, background checks and security vetting.

Preference will be given to applicants who hold a valid driver's licence for at least a light motor vehicle. Additional preference applies to candidates with relevant tertiary qualifications, other three-year tertiary qualifications, or Grade 12 results meeting the minimum requirements for admission to a bachelor's degree.

Applicants will undergo the required fitness, medical, psychological and integrity assessments as part of the selection process.

How to Apply for SAPS Police Trainee Posts

Applications must be submitted through the official SAPS eRecruitment portal.

Apply online: https://erecruitment.saps.gov.za/View-Full-Vacancy/?id=03cf6c23-76cc-f111-a05c-e4fb1ef9a8d2

Applicants should submit only one application, as the system restricts candidates to a single application for this intake.

The recruitment process is free. Do not pay anyone who promises to secure a police trainee position.

2. SAPS Cleaner Vacancies 2026: Two Posts

SAPS is also inviting applications for two Cleaner positions at the National Operational Command Centre.

Cleaner Job Details

• Position: Cleaner

• Reference Number: NOCC 01/2026

• Number of Posts: 2

• Salary: R144,024 per annum

• Salary Level: Level 02

• Location: National Operational Command Centre, Pretoria West

• Closing Date: 6 November 2026 at 16:00

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a South African citizen.

• Have ABET Level 4, Grade 9, Standard 7 or NQF Level 1.

• Be proficient in English and at least one other official language.

• Understand how to handle cleaning detergents.

• Have basic literacy, numeracy and communication skills.

• Understand occupational health and safety procedures.

• Be able to read and write.

• Be able to operate basic machines and equipment.

• Be willing to work extended hours when necessary.

Duties and Responsibilities

Successful candidates may be responsible for:

• Performing routine cleaning services.

• Maintaining housekeeping standards around assigned premises.

• Keeping kitchens hygienically clean.

• Preparing and serving refreshments.

• Supporting stores, stock and equipment operations.

• Loading and offloading equipment from vehicles.

• Performing gardening-related duties.

• Assisting with stock purchasing.

• Transporting personnel when required.

• Collecting and delivering vehicles, equipment and documents between offices.

How to Apply for the Cleaner Positions

Applicants must complete the prescribed Z83 application form and attach a comprehensive CV.

Applications must be directed to:

SAPS Academy, Tshwane

No. 1 Rebecca Street
Pretoria West

Email: ClarkeM@saps.gov.za

Reference number: NOCC 01/2026

Enquiries: Mrs M. Clark on 012 493 5659.

3. SAPS Garden Worker Vacancy 2026: One Post

The DPSA vacancy circular also advertises one Garden Worker position at the National Operational Command Centre.

Garden Worker Job Details

• Position: Garden Worker

• Reference Number: NOCC 02/2026

• Number of Posts: 1

• Salary: R144,024 per annum

• Salary Level: Level 02

• Location: National Operational Command Centre, Pretoria West

• Closing Date: 6 November 2026 at 16:00

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens.

• Have ABET Level 4, Grade 9, Standard 7 or NQF Level 1.

• Be proficient in English and at least one other official language.

• Understand workplace safety and operational procedures.

• Have basic literacy, numeracy and communication skills.

• Be able to operate basic equipment.

• Be willing to work extended hours when required.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will assist with maintaining gardens and outdoor areas around the workplace.

Responsibilities include:

• Preparing soil for planting.

• Maintaining flower beds and other garden areas.

• Fertilising, irrigating, weeding and pruning plants.

• Mowing lawns and cutting grass edges.

• Irrigating lawns and maintaining landscaped areas.

• Loading and unloading equipment.

• Removing waste from the grounds.

• Maintaining the cleanliness and neatness of assigned areas.

How to Apply for the Garden Worker Vacancy

Submit the prescribed Z83 form together with a comprehensive CV.

Applications must be sent to:

SAPS Academy, Tshwane

No. 1 Rebecca Street
Pretoria West

Email: ClarkeM@saps.gov.za

Reference number: NOCC 02/2026

Enquiries: Mrs M. Clark on 012 493 5659.

4. What About the Two Administrative Clerk Posts? CLICK HERE

The two links provided for this article identify the 5,500 police trainee opportunities and the civilian vacancies for two Cleaners and one Garden Worker. They do not provide enough information to verify the details of two Administrative Clerk posts.

Applicants interested in Administrative Clerk vacancies should consult the full SAPS section of DPSA Circular 38 of 2026 and confirm the relevant reference numbers, salaries, minimum qualifications and application addresses before submitting an application.

Official circular: https://www.dpsa.gov.za/dpsa2g/documents/vacancies/2026/38/o.pdf

Important Application Information

Applicants for the civilian vacancies must use the 2021 version of the Z83 form and attach a comprehensive CV. A separate application form must be completed for each post.

Make sure you:

• Quote the correct vacancy reference number.

• Submit your application to the correct address or email.

• Include accurate personal and educational information.

• Prepare the original documents required for verification if shortlisted.

• Submit your application before the deadline.

Late applications and applications sent to incorrect addresses will not be considered. SAPS also conducts background checks and other assessments as part of its recruitment procedures.

The South African Police Service has advertised several employment opportunities for 2026, including 5,500 police trainee posts, two Cleaner posts and one Garden Worker post.

The police trainee programme offers a monthly stipend of R5,000, while the Cleaner and Garden Worker positions offer R144,024 per year.

Candidates should check the eligibility requirements for their preferred position, prepare the necessary documents and apply through the relevant official recruitment channel.

For more South African government vacancies, police recruitment updates, internships, learnerships and skills development opportunities, visit www.skillsdaily.co.za.