Why the Afiswitch 48h Police Clearance Is Valid in South Africa

The connection is clear in their origins. In November 2006, the South African Police Service (SAPS) entered a 15-year contract with IDECO AFISwitch (Pty) Ltd, as outlined in Government Gazette No. 29319, Notice 1502, dated 27 October 2006. This deal gave Afiswitch access to the SAPS Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) to conduct electronic fingerprint checks using the same criminal database as the SAPS 365. In 2021, Afiswitch was acquired by IDEMIA, a global leader in identity technologies, and the contract with SAPS was renewed, further solidifying its authority. Both certificates pull from the exact same data—your criminal record, as maintained by SAPS.

The difference lies in delivery. The SAPS 365, with its ink-and-paper process at a police station, is tailored for formal needs like visas or emigration. In contrast, our 48h Police Clearance at checknet.co.za is a fast, automated service, perfect for employment screening, SACE, and more, with results within 48 hours. While their methods vary, the core information—your fingerprint-verified criminal history—is identical. In fact, the 48h Police Clearance includes pending cases, offering a broader snapshot than the SAPS 365.

The takeaway? Our 48h Police Clearance is valid because it taps into the same SAPS database as the traditional SAPS 365, backed by a renewed contract under IDEMIA’s ownership since 2021. Whether you’re job-hunting or registering with SACE, it’s a legitimate, efficient alternative with official backing. So, when its credibility comes into question, just point to the Gazette, the renewed SAPS partnership, and the shared system that proves its value.