
Every law graduate’s dreams of entering the prosecution service in South Africa now have a powerful platform: the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Aspirant Prosecutor Programme. This 12-month, in-service training internship is a launchpad into the NPA’s critical work in the lower courts—and it’s growing bigger: 100 aspirant posts available across South Africa.
What Is the Aspirant Prosecutor Programme?
Launched by the NPA in 1998, this initiative embeds newly qualified (or soon-to-be qualified) LLB graduates into prosecutorial roles at Magistrate’s Courts. Over 12 months, participants:
- Shadow experienced prosecutors
- Handle real case files in lower courts
- Learn courtroom procedure, evidence presentation, and ethics
- Are assessed formally before potential permanent appointment
It’s hands-on training and on-the-job experience—critical for readying prosecutors for public service roles.
POSTS: ASPIRANT PROSECUTOR TRAINING
(12 months training program)
SALARY : R252 855 – R292 596 per annum (LP-1 to LP-2)
CENTRE : Aspirants are to be appointed
- Vaal (Benoni) Ref No: APTVAL26
- Johannesburg Ref No: APTJHB26
- Randburg Ref No: APTRAN26
- Bloemfontein Ref No: APTBFN26
- Welkom Ref No: APTWEL26
- Ntuzuma Ref No: APTNTU26
- Kimberley Ref No: APTKIM26
- Klerksdorp Ref No: APTKLE26
- Mthatha Ref No: APTMTH26
- Bellville Ref No: APTBEL26
- Polokwane Ref No: APTPLK26
- West Rand (Protea) Ref No: APTWRP26
- Modimolle Ref No: APTMOD26
- Witbank (Evander) Ref No: APTWIT26
REQUIREMENTS :
- Complete LLB degree or equivalent foreign qualification supported by proof of accreditation of qualifications from SAQA.
- Final year LLB students may apply, provided that the LLB degree will be completed before the start date of the programme.
- Preference will be given to applicants who have not participated in any form of Practical Vocational Training for legal practitioners.
- Permanent employees of the Department (DOJ&CD) and the NPA meeting the requirements may also apply.
- Applicants must be South African.
- Demonstrable competency in acting Independently, Professionally, Accountable and with Credibility.
DUTIES :
- Successful candidates once appointed will undergo a 12-month training programme.
- There will be formal assessments throughout the 12 months of the training programme.
- All activities and assessments must be completed.
- Continuous assessment will be conducted to determine competency for appointment as a prosecutor.
Conditions:
- When carrying out their duties, Prosecutors are always required to comply with the Code of Conduct and observe Policy Directives as determined and issued by the National Director of Public Prosecutions.
- A written contract between the National Prosecuting Authority and the Aspirant Prosecutor outlining the conditions of service shall be entered into and such a contract will be valid and binding between the parties.
- An entry examination will be written which will form part of the selection process and only candidates successful in the examination based on the criteria decided will be allowed to the next level of the selection process.
- Aspirant Prosecutors who successfully completed the programme may not be placed permanently or on contract as District Court Prosecutors within the centre/cluster or division where they were trained.
- Placement is at the discretion of the NPA at any office in the country.
- Where an offer of permanent placement against a vacant post is made after the training and is declined, it will be regarded as a termination of contract employment.
Why This Opportunity Matters
- Bridges the theory–practice gap: LLB gives you legal knowledge; this programme teaches courtroom proficiency, case management and prosecution ethics.
- Diversifies the bench: By prioritising youth, equity, and people with disabilities, the NPA is reshaping its workforce.
- Builds prosecution capacity: Reinforcing staffing in Magistrate’s Courts boosts justice delivery across the country.
APPLICATIONS :
Applicants must apply by submitting applications on the most recent Z83 form and a comprehensive CV only (with detailed experience information). Failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified. Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications and other relevant documents on or before the day of the interview following communication from Human Resources. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by an evaluation report issued by SAQA (only when shortlisted).
All applications must be submitted to the relevant Recruitment Response e- mail addresses Applications:
- Vaal (Benoni) e mail: APTVAL26@npa.gov.za
- Johannesburg e mail: APTJHB26@npa.gov.za
- Randburg e mail: APTRAN26@npa.gon.za
- Bloemfontein e mail: APTBFN26@npa.gov.za
- Welkom e mail: APTWEL26@npa.gov.za
- Ntuzuma e mail: APTNTU26@npa.gov.za
- Kimberley e mail: APTKIM26@npa.gov.za
- Klerksdorp e mail: APTKLE26@npa.gov.za
- Mthatha e mail: APTMTH26@npa.gov.za
- Bellville e mail: APTBEL26@npa.gov.za
- Polokwane e mail: APTPLK26@npa.gov.za
- West Rand (Protea) e mail: APTWRP26@npa.gov.za
- Modimolle e mail: APTMOD26@npa.gov.za
- Witbank (Evander) e mail: APTWIT26@npa.gov.za
ENQUIRIES :
- Pfanani Malova Tel No: (012) 845 6953
- Gija Maswanganyi Tel No: (012) 845 6944
- Sharon Ntseo Tel No: (012) 845 6664
For any aspiring prosecutor, the NPA’s Aspirant Prosecutor Programme is more than an internship—it’s an elite training ground and gateway into state prosecution. If you’re driven by justice and service, this is your moment.
CLOSING DATE : 04 August 2025
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