Background Checks South Africa

The Polygraph Company

Background Checks South Africa

Fast, reliable background checks for employers, businesses, and individuals across South Africa. Know who you are hiring before you sign.

24hrsTypical Turnaround
POPIAFully Compliant
SA-WideNationwide Service
9Check Categories
Call +27 79 643 8558WhatsApp Us
Accredited Data Sources We Use
24hResults
9Check Categories
POPIACompliant
SA-WideCoverage
Why It Matters

Make Informed Decisions. Protect Your Business.

Every bad hire costs your business time, money, and trust. A comprehensive background check before you hire or partner with someone is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk.

The Polygraph Company offers fast, professional background checks using trusted, accredited South African data sources. Based in Piet Retief (Mkhondo), Mpumalanga — but our service is available anywhere in South Africa.

  • Verify identity, qualifications, and criminal history
  • Protect clients, assets, and your reputation
  • Fully POPIA compliant — consent obtained before any check
  • Results typically within 24 hours
  • Combine with polygraph testing for comprehensive vetting

The cost of a bad hire

3×Average salary lost per bad hire
85%Of CVs contain some inaccuracy
30%Of business losses linked to employee fraud
24hIs all it takes to know the truth
What We Check

Our Full Range of Background Check Services

One of the most comprehensive vetting solutions in South Africa — criminal, financial, identity, qualifications, and more.

01 — Identity

Identity Verification

  • ID Verification (Home Affairs)
  • ID Photo Verification & Match
  • Facial Recognition
  • Consumer Authentication
  • Global Identity Verification
  • Bank Account Verification
02 — Criminal

Criminal Record Checks

  • AFIS Criminal Check (Standard)
  • AFIS Criminal Check (Premium)
  • AFIS Criminal Check (Priority)
  • Criminal Record Verification
  • SAFPS Fraud Search
  • National Population Register
03 — Qualifications

Qualification & Employment

  • Matric Verification (Umalusi)
  • Academic Qualification (SAQA)
  • University Degree Verification
  • N Certificate Verification
  • Employment History Check
  • Academic Institution Verification
04 — Financial

Credit & Financial

  • Consumer Credit Report (XDS)
  • TransUnion Consumer Report
  • Income Predictor
  • Consumer Score
  • Director Enquiry
  • Lifestyle Audit Report
05 — Business

Business & Company

  • CIPC Company Search
  • XDS Business Enquiry
  • TransUnion Company Report
  • Directorship Linkage
  • Trust Search
  • Property Linkage
06 — Driver

Driver & Vehicle

  • South African Driver’s Licence
  • PrDP (Professional Driver’s Permit)
  • Zimbabwe Driver’s Licence
  • Zimbabwe International Driver’s Licence
07 — Foreign

Foreign Nationals

  • National Immigration Info (NIIS)
  • Visa / Work Permit Check
  • Refugee Photo Verification
  • Global Identity Verification
08 — Fraud & AML

Fraud & Compliance

  • PEP Search (Politically Exposed Persons)
  • AML / Sanctions Check
  • Adverse Media Search
  • Phone Number Fraud Check
  • Email Address Fraud Check
  • SAFPS Fraud Database
09 — Tracing

Tracing Services

  • ID Trace / Easy Trace
  • Address Trace
  • Telephone Trace
  • TransUnion Trace Report
  • Marital Status Enquiry

Not sure which check you need? Contact us and we will recommend the right combination for your situation.

How Much Does a Background Check Cost?

Every background check is priced individually depending on which checks you need, the number of candidates, and turnaround time required. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all packages — we quote based on exactly what you need, so you only pay for what’s relevant.

Request a Quote
Who Uses This Service

Background Checks for Every Sector

01

Businesses & Employers

Screen new hires before they join your team

02

Farms & Agriculture

Vet seasonal and permanent workers

03

Lodges & Hospitality

Staff with guest and property access

04

Recruitment Agencies

Vet candidates on behalf of your clients

05

Legal Professionals

Due diligence for clients & cases

06

Private Individuals

Domestic workers, caregivers, contractors

POPIA Compliant

All background checks are conducted in full compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act. Written consent is obtained before any check is run. Your data and your candidates’ data are handled responsibly and securely at all times.

The Process

How It Works — 5 Simple Steps

01

Contact Us

Call or WhatsApp +27 79 643 8558

02

Tell Us What You Need

We advise on the right checks for your situation

03

Candidate Consents

Written consent obtained — we make it easy

04

We Run the Checks

Via trusted SA accredited bureaus

05

You Get Your Report

Typically within 24 hours

Why Choose Us

Why Use The Polygraph Company for Background Checks?

Fast — 24hr Turnaround

Most checks completed within 24 hours. Some qualification verifications may take slightly longer.

9 Categories of Checks

Criminal, financial, identity, qualifications and more — all from one trusted provider.

Accredited Sources

TransUnion, XDS, Compuscan, AFIS and other trusted SA bureaus — results you can rely on.

Combined with Polygraph

If a check raises concerns, we can follow up with a targeted polygraph test — unique to us.

Nationwide Service

We serve clients across all of South Africa, not just Mpumalanga.

Fully POPIA Compliant

Proper consent, responsible data handling, legally sound results every time.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to run a background check on a job applicant in South Africa?
Yes — with written consent and a legitimate purpose, background checks are fully legal and POPIA compliant. We handle the consent process for you.
Do you need the candidate’s consent?
Yes — written consent is required before any check is run. We guide you and your candidate through this process to keep everything simple and legally sound.
How much does a background check cost?
Every check is priced individually based on which checks you need and how many candidates. We don’t do fixed packages — contact us and we’ll put together a quote based on exactly what you need, so you only pay for what’s relevant.
How long do results take?
Most checks are completed within 24 hours. Some qualification verifications (such as SAQA checks) may take slightly longer depending on the institution.
Can I combine a background check with a polygraph test?
Absolutely — many clients use both as part of a comprehensive pre-employment process. If a background check raises a concern, a targeted polygraph can help clarify it.
Can you check international or foreign national candidates?
Yes — we offer checks for foreign nationals including visa/work permit verification, NIIS immigration checks, refugee photo verification, and global identity checks.
Do you serve clients outside Mpumalanga?
Yes — background checks are available to clients anywhere in South Africa. Most of the process happens remotely and results are delivered digitally.

Request a Background Check Today

Protect your business before you hire. Fast results, full compliance, nationwide service.

Call or WhatsApp+27 79 643 8558
Email Usadmin@thepolygraphcompany.co.za
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