Forensic Pathology Officer Grade 1 (Amajuba Health District Office)

About the role

The Department of Health (KwaZulu-Natal) is hiring a Forensic Pathology Officer Grade 1 in Medico-Legal Mortuary, based in Amajuba Health District Office. This is a permanent post, paying R225,777 a year. How to apply: All applications should be forwarded to: Mrs. T.N.B. Dube: KZN Department of Health, Amajuba Health District Office, Email: Lungile.Mbatha3@kznhealth.gov.za OR Hand delivered to 50 Harding Street Nedbank Building First Floor, Newcastle, 2940 For attention: Mrs. T.N.B. Dube Reference number to quote: AMAJ14/2026 Closing date: 10 November 2026 Use the new Z83 form and attach a detailed CV. Note: Applications must be submitted on the prescribed Application for Employment form (Z83) This is obtainable from any Public Service Department or from the website www.kznhealth.gov.za.Application form (Z83) must be accompanied by detailed Curriculum Vitae. Applicants are not required to submit copies of qualifications and other documents on application but must submit Z83 and a detailed Curriculum Vitae. Certified copies of qualifications, proof of registration and other relevant documents will be requested from the shortlisted candidates only which may be submitted to HR on or before the day of the interview. Originally signed letter from your current employer, confirming current and appropriate work experience related to the requirements and recommendation of the advert. The Reference Number must be indicated in the column (Part A) provided thereof on the Z83 form. NB: Failure to comply with the above instructions will disqualify applicants. People with disabilities should feel free to apply for the post. The appointments are subject to positive outcomes obtained from the State Security Agency (SSA) to the following checks (security clearance (vetting), criminal clearance, credit records, and citizenship), verification of Educational Qualifications by SAQA, verification of previous experience from Employers and verification from the Company Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). All shortlisted candidates, including the SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. Selection panels shall score both technical exercises as an additional criterion in the interview process. Applicants are respectfully informed that, if no notification of appointment is received within 3 months after the closing date, they must accept that their applications were unsuccessful. Please note due to financial constraints, there will be no payment for S&T claims. Indian Males are encouraged to apply and people with disability also should feel free to apply.

Responsibilities

• To provide an efficient and effective administrative autopsy service.
• Preparation of relevant documentation required during autopsy process.
• Identification of body to doctor.
• Taking verbatim notes as directed by the doctor.
• Fingerprinting of deceased for identification of deceased.
• Photographing (including downloading of images into relevant database) for identification and record keeping.
• Collection of exhibits and samples/specimens under direct supervision of medical practitioners.
• Documentation and appropriate safe keeping and handover to SAPS of all exhibits and specimens to maintain chain of evidence.
• Maintain chain of evidence register.
• Assist families with identification process.
• To provide effective transportation service in the collection and offloading of bodies from crime scene to mortuary.
• Collection and transportation of corpse between death scene and medico legal mortuary including loading and offloading of corpse.
• Ensure completion of all relevant documentation necessary in collection and transportation process.
• Admission of bodies into medico legal mortuary in accordance with prescripts.
• To maintain a technical autopsy service.
• Perform reconstruction of a corpse under direction/instruction/supervision of the medical offer in charge of case/s.
• Movement of weighing corpse.
• Ensure washing, shrouding and labelling of bodies post examination and ensuring area of work is maintained in a clean and hygienic condition.
• Handle and safeguard properly of deceased and disposal of property to next of kin in the prescribed manner.
• To perform administrative duties including registry, fleet, assets and stock control activities.
• Typing of all postmortem and any other subsequent documentation generated because of the postmortem examination.
• Communication and making necessary arrangements with relevant role players in preparation for postmortem examination as per medical officer’s instructions.
• Maintain an effective and efficient filing system for all postmortem related documentation and ensure safe custody thereof.
• Develop and maintain a database of all information pertaining to the autopsy service and timely provision of monthly summary statistics to relevant stakeholders.
• Stock control including early warning arrangements.
• Reception and switchboard duties.
• Liaising with next of kin, undertakers, municipalities, hospitals, and SAPS to arrange burials, cremations and pauper burials of unclaimed bodies.
• Liaising with court, negotiating court attendance by medical officers and other medico mortuary staff.

Requirements

• Grade 12.
• A valid driver’s license minimum code 08.
• Recommendations Computer Literacy (MS Word, Excel, Power Point).
• Experience in mortuary services at least 06 months.
• Knowledge, Skills, Behavioural Attributes and Competencies Required Knowledge of mortuary administrative processes and policies.
• Knowledge of Medico-Legal protocols and prescripts.
• Knowledge of criminal justice system.
• Knowledge of waste management policy.
• Knowledge of infection control protocols and OHS.
• Knowledge of cleaning materials and use of cleaning equipment.