FORENSIC PATHOLOGY OFFICER GRADE 1 REF NO: AMAJ14/2026 Component: Medico-Legal Mortuary

This position is for a Forensic Pathology Officer Grade 1 within the Medico-Legal Mortuary of the Amajuba Health District Office, a role that sits at the heart of the forensic and administrative processes surrounding post-mortem examinations. The successful candidate will be expected to support medical practitioners and the broader criminal justice system by ensuring that autopsies are conducted efficiently, legally, and with the necessary dignity for the deceased. Working in a mortuary environment demands a particular set of skills and resilience, as the role combines direct handling of bodies with meticulous administrative duties, all while maintaining strict adherence to medico-legal protocols, infection control measures, and occupational health and safety standards.

To be considered, applicants must have a Grade 12 certificate, along with a valid driver’s licence at minimum code 08, as the role involves transporting bodies. While not strictly required, computer literacy in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint will be advantageous, as will at least six months of practical experience in mortuary services. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate knowledge of mortuary administrative processes, medico-legal prescripts, the criminal justice system, waste management policy, infection control protocols, and the correct use of cleaning materials and equipment. These competencies are essential for ensuring that every step of the autopsy and body-handling process is carried out correctly and in line with legal and ethical requirements.

The main duties are wide-ranging and demanding. The officer will provide an administrative autopsy service, which includes preparing all necessary documentation, identifying bodies for the doctor, taking verbatim notes as directed, fingerprinting and photographing deceased persons for identification, and downloading images into the relevant database. Under the direct supervision of medical practitioners, the officer will collect exhibits and samples, document them, and ensure their safe keeping and handover to the South African Police Service to maintain the chain of evidence. This also involves maintaining an evidence register and assisting families with the identification of their loved ones. The post further requires the officer to provide a reliable transport service, collecting bodies from crime scenes and other locations, completing all related documentation, and admitting bodies into the mortuary in accordance with prescripts.

Beyond these duties, the officer must maintain a technical autopsy service. This includes reconstructing bodies under the direction of the medical officer in charge, weighing corpses, and ensuring that bodies are washed, shrouded and labelled after examination. The workspace must be kept clean and hygienic at all times. The officer also handles and safeguards the property of the deceased, disposing of it to next of kin in the prescribed manner. Administrative responsibilities are equally important: typing post-mortem reports and subsequent documentation, making arrangements with role players as instructed by the medical officer, maintaining a filing system for all post-mortem records, developing a database of autopsy information, and providing monthly statistics to stakeholders. Stock control, reception and switchboard duties, and liaising with next of kin, undertakers, municipalities, hospitals and SAPS for burials, cremations and pauper burials are also part of the role, as is coordinating court attendance by medical and mortuary staff.

Applicants should note that this is a Grade 1 post with an all-inclusive salary package, and while optional medical aid and other benefits may apply, the position does not include payment for subsistence and travel claims. The appointment is subject to security vetting, criminal and credit clearance, citizenship verification, and qualification and experience checks. Shortlisted candidates will also undergo practical and integrity assessments as part of the selection process. Applications must be submitted on the prescribed Z83 form along with a detailed CV, and the relevant reference number must be indicated. Importantly, people with disabilities are encouraged to apply, and in line with the department’s equity targets, Indian males are particularly encouraged to apply. If no response is received within three months of the closing date, applicants should regard their applications as unsuccessful.