JOHANNESBURG - The South African Police Service (SAPS) is looking to recruit more White, Indian and Coloured officers, as these groups remain under-represented in the police force.
White officers account for 1.4% of the police force, while Indian officers make up 1.2% and Coloured officers 6.4%.
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Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia says the lack of demographic representation is partly due to applicants failing to meet the prescribed minimum enlistment requirements.
More than 150,000 applications have been received for 5,500 available places in the current recruitment drive.
National police spokesperson Amanda van Wyk says SAPS has noticed fewer applications from under-represented racial groups over the years.
Online applications opened on Wednesday and will close on 13 November.
Van Wyk says SAPS has been visiting schools to encourage young people to consider careers in policing.
The service also hosts events in local communities to attract potential recruits.
“We also have events within our local communities,” she said.
“This is to entice young people, not just from specific racial groups,” she added.
Van Wyk said policing offered a range of career opportunities beyond patrolling the streets.
The current recruitment drive also aims to strengthen specialised units within SAPS. Van Wyk said applicants with qualifications in specific fields could have an advantage when applying for these positions.