Coroners

Autopsy Facilities Manager

Coroner

County Coroner

Death Investigator

Forensic Pathologist

MDI (Medicolegal Death Investigator)

Medical Examiner

Medical Legal Death Investigator

Medicolegal Investigator

MLI (Medical Legal Investigator)

What is a Coroner?

A coroner is a public official who is responsible for investigating deaths, particularly those that occur under unusual or suspicious circumstances. The primary role of a coroner is to determine the cause and manner of death, which may involve conducting autopsies, examining medical records, and collecting evidence from the scene of death. Coroners often work closely with law enforcement, forensic pathologists, and other professionals to ensure thorough investigations.

Coroners may be elected or appointed officials, and their qualifications can vary widely depending on the jurisdiction. Some regions require coroners to have medical, forensic, or legal training, while others may allow individuals with minimal certification to take on the role. In many places, especially in the United States, coroners are involved in a system that distinguishes between coroner systems and medical examiner systems, with medical examiners typically being licensed physicians with specialized training in forensic pathology.

The work of a coroner can be emotionally demanding, as it often involves dealing with bereaved families and sensitive situations. They must handle cases with a high degree of professionalism, objectivity, and confidentiality. Aside from investigating deaths, coroners also have the duty to provide testimony in court regarding their findings, as their conclusions can significantly impact criminal investigations or insurance claims.

Overall, the role of a coroner is crucial in the context of public health, law enforcement, and community services, as they help ensure that deaths are investigated thoroughly and that public safety is upheld through their findings and recommendations.

Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$43790.0 - $123710.0

New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average

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Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.

Related Occupations

Tasks

Complete death certificates, including the assignment of cause and manner of death.
Perform medicolegal examinations and autopsies, conducting preliminary examinations of the body to identify victims, locate signs of trauma, and identify factors that would indicate time of death.
Interview persons present at death scenes to obtain information useful in determining the manner of death.
Observe and record the positions and conditions of bodies and related evidence.
Provide information concerning the circumstances of death to relatives of the deceased.

Technology Skills

Data base user interface and query software
- Alcestis
- Structured query language SQL
- Toxicology databases
- Transact-SQL
Video conferencing software
- Zoom
Graphics or photo imaging software
- 3D graphics software
- Graphics software
- Mideo Systems EZDoc Plus
Operating system software
- Google Android
- Linux
- UNIX
Office suite software
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Microsoft Office software

Tools Used

Autopsy saws
Autopsy scissors
- Dissection scissors
- Enterotomes
Autopsy dissection forceps for general use
- Dissection forceps
- Toothed forceps
Autopsy knives or blades
- Autopsy knives
- Dissecting knives
Autopsy hanging scales
- Digital autopsy scales
- Specimen scales

Knowledge

English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

14 Active Jobs in South Africa

Avg Salary: R85,566pm

How to Know if You Are Ready for a Career as a Coroner in South Africa

Stepping into the world of forensic pathology and death investigation is a profound commitment that sits at the intersection of medicine, law, and social justice. In South Africa, the role (often referred to within the Forensic Pathology Services) is both challenging and deeply rewarding. With 15 active jobs currently available and an average salary of R85,566pm, the field is showing significant growth. In fact, industry data shows a steady upward trajectory in compensation, with monthly averages rising from approximately R75,298 in early 2024 to an impressive R94,123 by December 2024.

Is a Career in Forensic Investigation Right for Me? (Psychometric Checklist)

Before committing to the years of rigorous study required, consider if you possess the following core traits necessary for the South African forensic environment:

Emotional Resilience: Can you maintain professional detachment while handling sensitive and often distressing cases involving deceased individuals and grieving families?
Meticulous Attention to Detail: Do you have the patience to observe minute physical evidence that others might overlook?
Ethical Integrity: Are you committed to the truth and capable of remaining impartial, regardless of external pressures from the legal system or public interest?
Analytical Thinking: Can you synthesise complex biological data with environmental evidence to reconstruct a sequence of events?
Strong Communication Skills: Are you able to translate complex medical findings into clear, accessible language for court testimonies and police reports?
Cultural Sensitivity: Can you navigate the diverse religious and cultural burial rites prevalent in South African society with respect and dignity?

A Day in the Life of a South African Coroner

A typical day begins early at a Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) facility. Your morning may involve performing autopsies to determine the cause of death in "unnatural" cases—ranging from accidents to criminal incidents. You will work closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to document evidence and ensure the chain of custody remains intact.

The afternoon might be spent in a laboratory setting, reviewing toxicology reports or histological slides, or perhaps in a boardroom providing expert consultation to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). It is a role that requires you to move seamlessly between the sterile environment of the mortuary and the high-pressure atmosphere of the High Court, where you must defend your findings under cross-examination. It is a career that serves the dead to provide answers for the living.

Education & Upskilling

In South Africa, the path to becoming a lead Coroner (Forensic Pathologist) is extensive, requiring a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), followed by a residency and a specialist qualification through the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA). However, there are multiple entry points into the field:

Formal University Degrees: Pursuing an MBChB at institutions like UCT, Wits, or UP is the standard for pathologists. For those interested in the technical side, a National Diploma in Forensic Pathology is often required for Forensic Pathology Officers.
TVET & Technical Training: Many technical colleges offer foundational courses in anatomy and physiology that serve as a bridge into support roles within the mortuary system.
Short Courses & Certifications: Continuous professional development (CPD) is mandatory. Specialised certifications in Forensic Anthropology, DNA Analysis, or Medical Jurisprudence are essential to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving field.

Because the legal and medical landscapes are constantly shifting, continuous learning is not just an advantage—it is a requirement for maintaining your registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

Next Steps

Choosing a career in forensic investigation is a noble pursuit that requires a unique blend of scientific rigour and human compassion. If you feel you have the stomach for the reality of the work and the intellect for the science behind it, now is the time to take the next step. Test your readiness now by completing our comprehensive Forensic Career Assessment to see if you are truly prepared for the demands of this vital profession.

Skills

Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Abilities

Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

Bachelor's degree

35 %
Associate's degree

15 %
Post-baccalaureate certificate

15 %

Awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree, but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master

Work Activities

Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Detailed Work Activities

Collect evidence for legal proceedings.
Prepare legal or investigatory documentation.
Interview witnesses, suspects, or claimants.
Inform individuals or organizations of status or findings.
Coordinate logistics or other business operations.

Work Interests

Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.