Over half a million applications for cop jobs

It seems being a man or woman in blue is a sought-after career option.

Police on Monday revealed that they had received over half a million applications to fill vacant positions across the country.

"In May this year‚ the service embarked on a vibrant recruitment drive across the country for the 2018/2019 Basic Police Learning Development Programme (BLDP) intake. Applications closed on the 15th of June 2018 and it must be noted that the Service will not be receiving anymore applications until the recruitment process for 2019/2020 commences‚" the SA Police Service said in a statement.

"To date‚ 517 000 applications have been received from the 1,146 police stations nationwide."

So far‚ 63‚000 candidates have been called and sent for psychometric testing.

"Those who conform to the set requirements as determined by the SAPS will also undergo physical fitness assessments and a final medical examination assessment‚" SAPS said.

The Deputy National Commissioner for Human Resources in the police force‚ Bonang Mgwenya‚ said they were happy to see the keen interest.

"The high number of applications received is encouraging for us to know that young people are ready to play their part in the fight against crime. Young people are ready to serve and protect the people of SA‚" Mgwenya said.

"We will however only select candidates based on merit following their success in all assessment processes. These young people will be seen as force multipliers and will assist greatly in the fight against crime."