STATE ADVOCATE REF NO: RECRUIT 2026/333 (Re-advert) National Prosecutions Service

This is a senior prosecutorial role within the National Prosecutions Service, based at the Office of the Deputy Public Prosecutor in Kimberley, specifically within the Specialised Tax Unit (STU). The post is a re-advertisement and offers an experienced legal professional the opportunity to act as a State Advocate, taking on complex and high-profile criminal matters, with a particular focus on tax-related cases. The incumbent will be expected to function with a high degree of independence, managing their own court and case flow while also guiding investigations and mentoring other prosecutors, investigating officers, and stakeholders within the criminal justice system. The role requires travel across the province to prosecute tax cases as and when required, and a valid driver’s licence is essential.

Candidates must hold an LLB degree, or an appropriate legal qualification for serving prosecutors seeking promotion, and must have the right of appearance as contemplated in section 25(2) of the NPA Act, 32 of 1998. A minimum of five years’ post-qualification legal experience is required, together with at least five years of relevant criminal court work experience in advocacy and drafting. Applicants must demonstrate extensive prosecutorial and litigation experience in common law offences such as fraud, theft, forgery and uttering, commercial crimes, and related matters. Well-developed legal research skills, excellent administrative abilities, and strong interpersonal, analytical, organisational, and communication skills are also required. The successful candidate must be able to act independently, professionally, accountably, and with credibility, and must be computer literate.

The core duties involve studying case dockets, assessing them, and deciding on the institution of prosecution. The State Advocate will deal with representations, guide investigations in complex or more difficult tax and commercial matters, and prepare cases for court by acquiring additional evidence and drafting charge sheets, indictments, and other court documents. In court, the incumbent will present the State’s case, lead and cross-examine witnesses, and address the court on conviction and sentence. The role also includes managing court and case flow independently, studying and dealing with appeals and reviews, preparing opinions and heads of argument for complex matters, and arguing cases in the appropriate court. The incumbent will appear in motion applications pertaining to criminal matters and conduct general prosecutions on behalf of the state. Beyond courtroom duties, the position requires mentoring and guiding investigating officers, prosecutors, and stakeholders, assisting in keeping proper records, statistics, and reports, and supporting high-profile tax matters or matters with an increased risk element. The State Advocate will also manage any portfolio assigned by the Deputy Director managing the STU and consult regularly with relevant stakeholders, including SARS officials, to promote partner integration, community involvement, and customer satisfaction.

Applicants should note that this is a demanding position requiring a high level of professionalism and integrity. The appointment will be provisional pending a security clearance of at least confidential, and shortlisted candidates will undergo further vetting, which may include fingerprinting, verification of social media accounts, and pre-entry assessments. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA if shortlisted. The NPA reserves the right not to fill the post, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.