South Africa’s police service is taking a bold step to strengthen its investigative capacity by bringing back hundreds of seasoned detectives.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has announced the re-appointment of 353 former detectives, offering them a chance to return to the same ranks they once held.
This move is aimed at boosting the fight against crime by tapping into the skills and expertise of officers who already know the system inside out.
Salaries on Offer
For those curious about what the paycheck looks like, SAPS has broken down the annual earnings for the returning officers:
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Constables – R236,629
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Sergeants – R299,046
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Warrant Officers – R370,905
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Captains – R461,676
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Lieutenant-Colonels – R579,069
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Colonels – R1,022,601
Clearly, the Service isn’t holding back when it comes to making the roles financially appealing.
Who Can Apply?
Not everyone can walk straight back into uniform.
Applicants must tick several boxes before being considered. They need to:
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Be under the age of 65.
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Have previously served in the police force.
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Hold at least a National Senior Certificate or higher qualification.
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Possess a valid Code B driver’s licence and be able to operate state vehicles.
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Have completed Basic Police Training and bring along detective experience plus a relevant investigative course.
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Be computer literate and fluent in at least two official languages (one being English).
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Hold South African citizenship.
On top of that, candidates must have a clean disciplinary record, no criminal convictions, and no pending cases.
Visible tattoos in uniform are banned, and applicants must not have been declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Integrity Matters
SAPS is drawing a firm line on who qualifies. Anyone who left the service under a cloud—whether dismissed, resigned while facing disciplinary or criminal charges, or medically boarded—will not be considered.
Even those approved for re-appointment will be expected to maintain strict integrity.
That includes disclosing if they are respondents in any protection orders under the Domestic Violence Act or the Protection from Harassment Act.
Successful applicants must also be open to relocating and agree not to engage in outside activities that could compromise the credibility of the police.
Public Reaction
With crime levels constantly under the spotlight, the big question remains: is re-appointing former detectives the right move for SAPS?
Some may see it as a smart way to plug gaps with tried-and-tested expertise, while others might wonder if it signals a lack of fresh talent coming through the ranks.
What do you think—should SAPS rely on experience or focus on building a new generation of detectives?
