State Advocate x1

State Advocate x1

Job Details

• Job Title: State Advocate
• Reference Number: RECRUIT 2026/273
• Unit: Sexual Offences and Community Affairs
• Location: CPP: Bloemfontein (Phuthadijhaba)
• Salary: R970,221 – R1,600,893 per annum
• Salary Level: LP-7 to LP-8
• Package: Total cost package
• Enquiries: Lemmer Ludwick – 051 410 6001
• Email Applications: Recruit2026273@npa.gov.za

Job Description

The National Prosecuting Authority is seeking a State Advocate to serve within the Sexual Offences and Community Affairs unit in Bloemfontein (Phuthadijhaba).

The successful candidate will be responsible for instituting and conducting criminal proceedings on behalf of the State, particularly matters involving sexual offences and gender-based violence. The role includes managing complex cases, preparing matters for court, guiding criminal investigations, consulting with witnesses and presenting the State’s case in dedicated Sexual Offences Courts.

The position also involves monitoring cases through the Criminal Justice System, managing court rolls, supporting stakeholders, improving conviction rates and ensuring the timely finalisation of cases.

Responsibilities

• Institute and conduct criminal proceedings on behalf of the State.
• Perform duties assigned to the prosecution under applicable legislation, policies and directives.
• Study and assess case dockets.
• Decide whether to institute criminal proceedings.
• Conduct criminal proceedings, including advanced and complex matters.
• Handle cases in dedicated Sexual Offences Courts.
• Prepare cases for court.
• Guide criminal investigations and provide legal instructions.
• Consult with witnesses and relevant stakeholders.
• Draft charge sheets and other court documents, including complex documents.
• Present the State’s case in court.
• Present evidence and cross-examine witnesses.
• Address the court on matters including conviction and sentence.
• Manage criminal and civil litigation relating to gender-based violence and matters falling within the NPA’s mandate.
• Track, monitor and facilitate cases through the Criminal Justice System.
• Manage court rolls at dedicated Sexual Offences Courts.
• Ensure the attendance of witnesses, investigating officers and accused persons in custody at court.
• Work towards reducing turnaround times for the finalisation of cases.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with relevant stakeholders.
• Conduct regular follow-ups with stakeholders.
• Assist in improving conviction rates.
• Supervise, train and develop relevant role-players where required.
• Submit monthly performance management reports, including statistics.

Requirements

• LLB degree.
• For serving prosecutors seeking promotion, any appropriate legal qualification may be considered.
• Right of appearance as contemplated in Section 25(2) of the NPA Act, 32 of 1998.
• At least five years’ post-qualification legal experience in:
  • Prosecution/litigation of sexual offences.
  • Criminal procedure.
  • Civil litigation.
  • Management of gender-based violence matters.
• Experience in guiding criminal investigations.
• Ability to provide instructions relating to law and statutory offences.
• Experience in drafting charge sheets and complex court documents.
• Valid driver’s licence.

Key Skills and Competencies

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Ability to act independently, professionally, accountably and with credibility.
• Ability to work independently without constant supervision.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Sound decision-making ability.
• Computer literacy.
• Knowledge of MS Office programmes.
• Strong litigation and prosecution skills.
• Ability to manage complex sexual offences and gender-based violence matters.
• Ability to work effectively with criminal justice stakeholders.