Andrew the Forensic Officer
Duduza - If blood and crime scenes are your thing, a career in forensic pathology can be a great career choice.
Andrew Mochadibane (39), is a forensic officer at the Springs Forensic and Pathology Services.
Before he started in Springs he worked for the Forensic Science Laboratory in Pretoria for three years, and then moved to the Local Criminal Record Centre.
His daily duties include performing autopsies, conducting toxicology tests, dissections and collecting evidence.
Mochadibane has been in the field of pathology for over a decade now.
He holds a diploma in Criminal Justice and Forensic Pathology from the University of Johannesburg.
In order to be a forensic officer one has to do biology, mathematics and science at school, and further study any health-related courses or a diploma in Forensic Pathology.
Once you have completed your tertiary studies, there is also in-service training offered at the Forensic Pathology Service that takes 12 months to complete.
“This job requires someone who is highly vigilant and pays attention to detail”, says Mochadibane.
What he loves most about his job, is that it’s challenging and everyday he learns something new.
“Every case has it’s own merits and you keep pushing yourself to do more” says Mochadibane.
He explains disaster accidents and mass deaths are the worst scenes to work at .
He encourages young people to pursue a career in pathology because there is a shortage of forensic officers in South Africa.
There is a new qualification in the pipeline that is said to be introduced at Wits University for learners who want to pursue a career in forensic pathology.
