Medical Officer Grade 1 -3

About the role

The Department of Health (Eastern Cape) is hiring a Medical Officer Grade 1 -3, based in Buffalo City Metro Forensic Pathology Services (Ku Gompo). This is a permanent post, paying R1,041,402 – R1,121,241 a year. How to apply: Alternatively, applications can be submitted electronically via email to: Simphiwe.Mangoloti@echealth.gov.za Reference number to quote: ECHEALTH/MO/APL/BCM- Closing date: 23 October 2026 Use the new Z83 form and attach a detailed CV.

Responsibilities

• To perform medico-legal post-mortem examinations, complete all related investigations and documentation, and finalise post-mortem reports within a 12-week turnaround period.
• Compile and complete post-mortem reports and all related medico-legal documentation accurately and timeously.
• Provide conclusion of causes of death based on ancillary investigation reports, as well as efficient expert evidence in court related to all autopsied above cases, including formulating forensic second opinions as requested by the Department of Justice.
• Attendance of and examination of incident cases.
• Support to the Heads: Clinical Unit and Department, Medical Specialists and Safe Practices.
• Personal development and academic contributions: Assist with teaching and training of medical and forensic students, forensic pathology officers in medico-legal autopsies and related investigations.

Requirements

• Appropriate qualification that allows registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as Medical Practitioner.
• Registration with a professional council: Registration with the HPCSA as Medical Practitioner.
• Experience: Grade 1: None after registration as Medical Practitioner with HPCSA in respect to SA qualified employees.
• 1-year relevant experience after registration as Medical Practitioner with a recognised foreign Health Professional Council in respect of foreign qualified employees, of whom it is not required to perform Community Service as required in South Africa.
• Grade 2: at least 5 years’ appropriate experience as Medical Practitioner after registration with the HPCSA as a Medical Practitioner in respect of SA qualified employees.
• At least 6 years’ relevant experience after registration as Medical Practitioner with a recognised foreign Health Professional Council in respect of foreign qualified employees, of whom it is not required to perform Community Service as required in South Africa.
• Grade 3: at least 10 years’ appropriate experience as a Medical Practitioner after registration with the HPCSA as a Medical Practitioner in respect of SA qualified employees.
• At least 11 years’ relevant experience after registration as Medical Practitioner with a recognised foreign Health Professional Council in respect of foreign qualified employees, of whom it is not required to perform Community Service as required in South Africa.
• Ability to work independently to autopsies and crime scene investigation.
• Good practical knowledge of forensic pathology (theory and practice).
• Knowledge of the relevant legislations.
• The incumbent to the post is expected to participate in weekend and after-hours work.
• The incumbent may be required to undergo further training in the medico—legal investigation of un-natural death.
• Knowledge of applicable parts Of Occupational Health Act and Risk assessment process.
• Knowledge, Skills, Training and competencies:
• Ability to perform medico-legal post-mortem examinations and crime scene investigations
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary team setting
• A certificate of competence as a forensic medical Officer or work experience in forensic pathology
• Excellent communication skills, including computer literacy
• Basic knowledge of forensic photography
• Ability to make well-founded decisions and conclusions
• Resilience and ability to work with fragmented and decomposed remains
• Ability to make a positive contribution in a busy department
• The incumbent is expected to partake in all the department's academic and training activities
• Provision Of a Forensic Pathology Service at a district level as delegated
• Produce reports of high quality
• Satisfactory level of professional Court attendance
• Maintain satisfactory clinical, professional and ethical standards related to Forensic Pathology Services
• Attend to administrative matters as required