Floods of applications have been received for jobs with South Africa's new crime-busting unit, the Scorpions, many from the ranks of South Africa's underpaid policemen and prosecutors who could triple their salaries if appointed.
But getting the jobs will be tough. Every applicant will have to undergo a polygraph test, handwriting analysis, drug testing and financial probity to ensure they are "squeaky clean" and up to the task of probing national priority crimes.
The Directorate of Special Operations, which falls under the leadership of national Director of Public Prosecutions Bulelani Ngcuka, has advertised several posts in recent weeks.
The one which has caught the eye of many police officers and prosecutors is that of "senior special investigator", the requirement being at least four years' experience in intelligence, policing, prosecuting, legal or auditing work in either the private or public sector.
Basic salaries range from about R180 000 to R212 000 a year depending on experience - and it is expected that pension, medical aid, housing and possibly a car allowance will be thrown in as well.
"The deal is an extremely good one," said one policeman who is more than qualified to do the job and who is at present on a package of R63 000.
A prosecutor based at the Durban magistrate's court said the package was "extremely attractive".
Already several senior policemen based in Durban have forwarded their CVs, hopeful of being appointed to the "elite unit".
Salaries for more junior staff - aimed at graduates - range from R66 000 to R140 000, compared to a constable in the South African Police Service, who starts on about R30 000.
Integrity will play a large part in the final appointments. Not only will the potential investigators be subjected to rigorous security clearance and psychometric tests, but the unit has also advertised four posts of integrity clearance officers and one of a manager who will be responsible for developing anti-corruption policies and mechanisms.
With applications closing next week, it is expected interviews will be conducted soon and the posts filled by early next year.