Reference Number: UGU 05/2026
Number of Posts: 2 (Two Permanent Positions)
Employment Type: Full-Time | Government / Public Service
Section: Health | Forensic & Medico-Legal Services
Job Overview
The Ugu Health District Office invites suitably qualified and committed individuals to apply for the position of Forensic Pathology Officer. This critical role supports medico-legal services within the forensic pathology environment and plays a vital part in ensuring justice, public health compliance, and dignity in death investigations.
The Forensic Pathology Officer operates within a highly regulated medical framework and is responsible for providing administrative, technical, operational, and support services related to post-mortem examinations, body identification, evidence handling, and stakeholder coordination. The position requires strict adherence to medico-legal prescriptions, ethical standards, and occupational health and safety regulations.
This opportunity is ideal for individuals who are detail-oriented, emotionally resilient, and committed to public service excellence within the health and criminal justice sectors.
Employer Information
Organisation: KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health
Office: Ugu Health District Office
Province: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
The Department of Health is committed to delivering quality, equitable, and accessible health services. It upholds principles of professionalism, accountability, transformation, and service excellence across all its facilities and support services.
Salary & Benefits
Salary: R196,536 per year
Salary Level: Government-approved remuneration package
Additional Benefits
- Pension and medical aid (as per government policy)
- Leave benefits in line with Public Service Regulations
- Stable employment within the public health sector
- Skills development and on-the-job training opportunities
Purpose of the Role
The primary purpose of the Forensic Pathology Officer is to support medicolegal post-mortem services by ensuring the efficient administration of autopsies, safe handling of deceased persons, accurate documentation, evidence preservation, and effective coordination with internal and external stakeholders such as SAPS, courts, hospitals, and next-of-kin.
This role contributes directly to the integrity of the criminal justice system, public health surveillance, and the dignified management of deceased individuals.
Minimum Requirements
- Grade 12 / National Senior Certificate
- Valid Code 08 (Code B) Driver’s License
- Knowledge and Understanding
- Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of:
- Mortuary administrative processes and standard operating procedures
- Medico-legal protocols, legislation, and prescripts
- The South African criminal justice system
- Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures
- Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations
- Waste management policies, including biohazard disposal
- Cleaning materials, chemicals, and the safe use of cleaning equipment
Key Responsibilities & Duties
1. Administrative Autopsy Support Services
- Prepare and manage all documentation required before, during, and after the autopsy process
- Assist with the formal identification of bodies by presenting the deceased to the medical practitioner
- Record verbatim notes dictated by the forensic medical officer during post-mortem examinations
- Perform fingerprinting of deceased individuals for identification purposes
- Photographs of deceased persons and relevant features for medico-legal identification and record-keeping
- Download, catalogue, and securely store photographic records in the approved database
- Collect exhibits, samples, and specimens under the direct supervision of a medical practitioner
- Ensure accurate documentation, safe storage, and formal handover of exhibits to SAPS
- Maintain and update the chain of evidence register in compliance with legal requirements
- Assist families and next-of-kin with the body identification process in a professional and sensitive manner
2. Transportation and Body Collection Services
- Collect and transport deceased persons from crime scenes, hospitals, or accident sites to the medico-legal mortuary
- Load and off-load bodies using approved equipment and safe handling techniques
- Ensure all transportation-related documentation is completed accurately and timeously
- Admit bodies into the medical-legal mortuary in accordance with established prescripts
- Liaise with SAPS and emergency services during body collection operations
3. Technical Autopsies and Mortuary Operations
- Assist with body reconstruction under the supervision of the assigned medical officerepresentative
- Facilitate the movement and weighing of bodies before examination
- Wash, shroud, label, and prepare bodies after post-mortem examinations
- Maintain cleanliness, hygiene, and infection control standards in the autopsy and mortuary areas
- Safeguard personal property of the deceased and ensure lawful disposal or release to next-of-kin
4. Administrative, Registry, and Operational Support
- Type post-mortem reports and all related medico-legal documentation
- Communicate with internal and external role players to coordinate post-mortem arrangements
- Maintain an organised, secure, and confidential filing system for all records
- Develop and manage a database of autopsy-related information
- Compile and submit monthly statistical reports to relevant stakeholders
- Manage stock control, including consumables, equipment, and early warning systems
- Perform reception and switchboard duties when required
5. Stakeholder Liaison and Court Coordination
- Liaise with next-of-kin, funeral parlours, municipalities, hospitals, and SAPS
- Arrange burials, cremations, and pauper burials for unclaimed bodies
- Coordinate with courts regarding medico-legal matters
- Arrange court attendance for medical officers and forensic staff as required
Key Competencies & Skills
- Strong administrative and organisational skills
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and ethical conduct
- Emotional resilience and professionalism in sensitive environments
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work under pressure and manage time effectively
- Teamwork and coordination with multidisciplinary stakeholders
Employment Equity Statement
- The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health is an equal opportunity employer.
- Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Appointments will be made in line with the Department’s Employment Equity Plan.
Security and Vetting Requirements
- State Security Agency (SSA) vetting
- Criminal record check
- Credit record verification
- Citizenship verification
- SAQA verification of educational qualifications
- Verification of previous employment
- CIPC verification where applicable
Application Process
How to Apply
- A completed Z83 Application for Employment Form
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Important: Certified copies of qualifications and supporting documents will only be required from shortlisted candidates.
Submission Details
Postal Address
The Human Resource Manager
Ugu Health District Office
Private Bag X735
Port Shepstone
4240
For Attention: Mr J.L. Majola
Enquiries: Mr B.O. Magubane/Tel: (039) 682 6296
Important Notes for Applicants
- The reference number UGU 05/2025 must be clearly indicated on the Z83 form (Part A).
- Fax or emailed applications will NOT be accepted.
- Incomplete or non-compliant applications will be disqualified.
- Non-RSA citizens or permanent residents must submit proof only when shortlisted.
- The application shall be considered unsuccessful if no answer is received within three months following the closing date.
Closing Date: 29 February 2026.
- Late applications will not be accepted or considered.
Why This Opportunity Matters
This role offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute directly to public health, justice, and community service. As a Forensic Pathology Officer, your work supports legal processes, provides closure to families, and upholds the dignity of deceased individuals within South Africa’s medicolegal system.