SAPS to absorb mix of reserves, fresh recruits

THE SAPS is planning to absorb 3 000 active reservists in October and a further 4 000 new recruits in January next year. It is also planning to rehire police officers who “honourably” left the police service.

Police Minister Bheki Cele revealed this when he was responding in writing to parliamentary questions from DA MP Okkie Terblanche.

Terblanche had asked about the additional members to be recruited and trained during the remainder of the 2020-21 financial year when the SAPS had indicated that it would no longer recruit the 7 000 members promised by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his State of the Nation address.

In his written response, Cele said the recruitment of the 7 000 new SAPS trainees was at an advanced stage when the process was suspended because of the Covid-19 pandemic and social distancing regulations for lockdown.

He said they were considering three proposals for the filling of the 7 000 entry-level posts in the 2020-21 financial year. Cele said the first intake would involve 3 000 active serving reservists to be followed by an intake of 4 000 applicants, who applied in September and October 2019 for positions as police trainees, to commence basic training.

“In addition to the above, trained and skilled police officers who left the SAPS honourably with the rank of constable, sergeant and warrant officer had been invited to apply for re-enlistment on July 19.”

“These officers will be posted where there is currently a shortage, including specialised units.”

The minister also said the permanent enlistment of the estimated 3 000 reservists will take place in October and 4 000 police trainees would start basic training in January 2021.