The recent crime statistics released by Police Minister Bheki Cele have compelled the South African Police Service (SAPS) management to undertake a recruitment drive to re-employ former members of the police service.
From the statistics report, the North West province has recorded a total of 40 581 cases relating to murder, sexual offences, assault and robbery. The province has also recorded a total number of 7 158 cases relating to property damage and arson.
Reported cases of theft and burglary cases were 26 046, while shoplifting and commercial crimes reported amount to 23 876, whereas cases related to drugs and illegal possession of firearms totalled 8 900.
SAPS is calling on all former police officers to re-enlist for its detective services. The SAPS said it was looking to re-enlist 400 former members that ranged from Constables, Sergeants and Warrant Officers.
“The posts contained in this advertisement are earmarked for the capacitation of the detective environment, and successful candidates will be re-enlisted in the ranks they previously held (Constable, Sergeant, and Warrant Officer only) in the South African Police Service.
“All successful former members will be placed in Detective Services, irrespective of the environment that he/she served previously in the South African Police Service,” read the advertisement.
The criteria for former members include not being older than 55 years at the time of the application. The closing date is July 24.
The targeted members must have a good disciplinary and attendance record, a Code 8 driver’s license, be proficient in at least two languages, with English being mandatory.
The candidates will undergo a psychological assessment and medical examination, as well as be cleared to possess a firearm.
Successful candidates will be required to undergo a refresher course or any other training as determined by the National Police Commissioner. Candidates who do not have experience or formal detective training will be subjected to three months of training immediately, once appointed.
Potential candidates who left the SAPS due to reaching retirement age, those who were dishonourably discharged or dismissed, left pending finalisation of a disciplinary enquiry or criminal matter, left the SAPS with a severance package or left due to ill health or were medically boarded, should not apply as they will not be considered for the job.
Some former SAPS members who spoke to Mo Media have expressed their concern regarding the alarming escalation of crime in the country. One former police officer, who cannot be named for security reasons, stated that the issue of crime prevalence in the province and country at large was influenced by a variety of factors such as police officers who are in cahoots with criminals.
Application forms can be collected at your nearest police station or via the SAPS website at http://www.saps.gov.za/. The previously utilised Z83 form will not be accepted.
