The South African Police Service (Saps) said on Monday it had received 517 000 applications from young people interested in joining the force since opening applications three months ago. 

In May, the Saps embarked on a recruitment drive across the country for the 2018/2019 Basic Police Learning Development Programme (BLDP) intake for trainees to be placed across South Africa's 1 146 police stations.

It said qualifying candidates who conformed to the basic enlistment requirements were being subjected to thorough screening processes to determine their eligibility to serve as men and women in blue. 

At least 63 000 of the applicants have already undergone psychometric testing and those who pass will undergo physical fitness assessments and a final medical examination.

Deputy national commissioner for human resources management in the Saps Lieutenant-Gen Bonang Mgwenya said successful candidates in all three assessments would be notified in writing and via telephone by December 1.

"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 South Africa," 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."

Applicants who have not received any official communique from the service within three months from the closing date on June 15 should consider their application unsuccessful.