REGIONAL COURT CONTROL PROSECUTOR

This role is a senior prosecutorial position within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), based at the Upington (Kuruman) office, and forms part of the Regional Court Control Prosecutor cadre. The incumbent operates at a high level of independence and accountability, overseeing the work of prosecutors in the Regional and District Courts while also handling complex criminal cases personally. The position is graded at a senior level within the NPA’s organisational structure, reflecting its supervisory and litigation responsibilities. The successful candidate will be expected to manage, guide, and train a team of prosecutors, ensuring that they adhere to the NPA’s code of conduct, policies, and directives. This includes conducting performance assessments of staff in conjunction with the Senior Public Prosecutor, as well as performing general administrative duties to keep the office running efficiently. The role also extends beyond the courtroom, requiring the promotion of partner integration, community involvement, and customer satisfaction in collaboration with other agencies in the criminal justice system.

To be considered, applicants must hold an LLB degree, or for serving prosecutors seeking promotion, any appropriate legal qualification. A minimum of six years of post-qualification legal experience is required, along with demonstrable competency in acting independently, professionally, accountably, and with credibility. Strong management skills are essential, as is the ability to work with minimal supervision. The role demands proficiency in prosecuting and litigating complex common law and statutory offences in both Regional and District Courts, including the ability to draft complex charge sheets and other court documents. The incumbent must also be capable of guiding investigations and giving clear instructions to investigators and prosecutors.

The core duties involve studying case dockets and deciding whether to institute criminal proceedings, handling maintenance matters and inquests of a general and more advanced nature, and preparing cases for court. The prosecutor will present the State’s case in court, lead witnesses, cross-examine, and address the court on conviction and sentence, while also assisting other prosecutors in doing the same. This includes drafting charge sheets and other court documents, and performing all related duties in line with NPA policies. The role also entails training and mentoring less experienced prosecutors, ensuring they develop the necessary skills to handle their own caseloads effectively.

Applicants should note that this is a demanding position requiring a high level of integrity and professionalism. Successful candidates will be subjected to a security clearance of at least confidential, and appointment will be provisional pending the outcome of that clearance. Fingerprints will be taken on the day of the interview, and the NPA may access shortlisted applicants’ social media accounts as part of the verification process. All shortlisted candidates, including those for SMS posts, will be required to undertake two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise and an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. These will be scored as additional criteria during the interview process. For SMS posts, a pre-entry certificate from the National School of Government is required, but this particular position is not an SMS post, so that requirement does not apply here. However, all candidates must be prepared for a rigorous selection process. The NPA reserves the right not to fill the post, and if applicants do not hear within six months of the closing date, they should assume their application was unsuccessful. Resettlement costs will not be paid by the NPA. Applications must be submitted using the most recent Z83 form and a comprehensive CV, with only shortlisted candidates required to submit certified copies of qualifications and other documents. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA and proof provided if shortlisted. Late applications will not be accepted, and the NPA cannot be held responsible for server delays.