THE SOUTH African Police Service said on Tuesday that it is re-enlisting trained and skilled police officers who left the SAPS “honourably” in the ranks of constable, sergeant and warrant officer, in a bid to boost its law enforcement capacity.
SAPS spokesperson Colonel Brenda Muridili said the recruitment of former police officers forms part of the police service’s commitment to improving staffing levels, to enable the organisation to fulfil its constitutional mandate of fighting crime and keeping people safe.
“The organisation (SAPS) is losing members due to various reasons, including retirement, and human resource management has to continue with other means of recruitment, hence the re-enlistment of former members,” said Muridili.
She said the successful candidates will be posted where there is a shortage, including specialised units such as the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit and the Public Order Policing unit, as well as newly established units such as the Taxi Violence unit, Cold Case Investigation and the Murder and Robbery unit.
“The SAPS therefore appeals to former police officers who left the service with a clean record, had been appointed as members in the organisation in terms of the South African Police Service Act 68 of 1995, serving on the rank of constable, sergeant and warrant officer,” said Muridili.
The SAPS said the prospective candidates must meet the following requirements:
- 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 SAPS
- Be in possession of at least a Grade 12 (senior certificate) or higher qualification
- Have a valid light motor vehicle licence (code B)
- Submit himself or herself to a medical examination as determined by the national commissioner of police
- Undergo a psychological assessment as determined by the national commissioner and be found to comply with the profile of a police official
- Not have any tattoo marks of which will be visible when wearing a uniform and not be irreconcilable with the objectives of the SAPS
- 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
- Not have been declared unfit to possess a firearm
- Be prepared to be deployed based on the needs of the SAPS 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 SAPS
- Be willing to undergo a refresher course or any other training as determined by the national commissioner of police.
The SAPS said applications from former members who have left under any of the following circumstances will not be considered for re-enlistment:
- Members who have reached retirement age (early retirement, or compulsory retirement age)
- Members who have been dishonourably discharged or dismissed
- Members who have left SAPS pending the completion of a disciplinary inquiry and/or criminal proceedings
- Members who have left SAPS due to severance package, ill health or retirement as a result of a medical boarding
- Members who left the SAPS more than 10 years ago.
The official application forms can be obtained from the SAPS website.
Muridili said the closing date for applications is July 31.
– African News Agency/ANA
