By REGINALD KANYANE
7 October 2024- The South African Police Service (SAPS) has embarked on a recruitment drive to re-enlist former police officers, who left the service in good standing. This initiative is the organisation’ strategy to boost its detective capacity.
The SAPS national spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said in the 2023/2024 financial year, SAPS re-enlisted more than 200 former police officers, who are now serving as detectives. Mathe said this drive aims to see more boots on the ground to assist in the investigation of cases and down management of dockets.
“Successful candidates will be appointed in the ranks they previously held, only for the ranks of Constable, Sergeant and Warrant Officer. The posts are for former members, who previously held the ranks of Constable, Sergeant and Warrant Officer only.
“Commencing salary for the constable post is R226 188 per annum, R283 797 per annum for sergeant, while warrant officer post is R351 570 per annum,” she said.
Mathe further said former members must have been appointed as a member of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in terms of the Police Service Act 68, 1995 on the ranks of Constable, Sergeant and Warrant Officer. She added that they must have successfully completed basic police training and relevant functional police training courses, where applicable.
“Have a good disciplinary and attendance record during their former employment in the South African Police Service. Be in possession of at least a Grade 12 (Senior Certificate) or higher qualification,” said Mathe.
She said they must have at least a valid light motor vehicle license (code B), be a South African citizen of which documentary proof must be furnished. Mathe said they should be proficient in at least two of the official languages, of which one must be English.
“They should submit themselves to a medical examination as determined by the NationalCommissioner, undergo a psychological assessment as determined by the National Commissioner and be found to comply with the profile of a police official.
“Must not have any tattoo marks which will be visible when wearing any uniform of the service. Have no previous criminal convictions, and/or pending criminal, disciplinary cases and such person shall allow his or her fingerprints to be taken and allow background enquiries to be made,” she said.
According to Mathe, they should not have been declared unfit to possess a firearm, be prepared to be deployed based on the needs of the service, which may include having to relocate at one’s own expense and or to accept a post away from one’s current place of residence that could result in reasonable travelling.
“Not be involved in any business or activity that will be in conflict of interest with the integrity of the service. Be willing to undergo a refresher course or any other training as determined by the National Commissioner,” said Mathe.
She said the successful candidates who do not have experience/formal detective training will be subjected to three months training immediately after appointment.
Mathe said successful applicants for appointment, will be vetted in terms of Chapter 7, Part 2 of the Children’s Act, 2005 (Act no 38 of 2005) or the National Sex Offenders Register [section 42 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 2007 (Act no 32 of 2007)].
“A candidate whose particulars appear in either the National Register for Sex Offenders or Part B of the Child Protection Register, will be disqualified from appointment to that post.
“Candidates are expected to disclose if he/she is a respondent in an interim or final protection order in terms of the Domestic Violence Act, 1998 (Act no 116 of 1998) or Protection from Harassment Act, 2011 (Act No 17 of 2011), and may be disqualified from appointment to that post,” she said.
The Guardian 