A day in the life of a public prosecutor
TREASURE Tandi is a public prosecutor working at the magistrate's court.
DEDICATED: Treasure Tandi loves her job in the courts.She decided on this career when she was in Grade 8, after her history teacher asked her what she wanted to do with her life.
Treasure wanted to study to become a doctor, but was not very good at maths, so her teacher suggested she become a public prosecutor.
Treasure then shadowed senior prosecutor Edward Pesulo when she was still in school, and based on her experience decided it was the job for her.
Treasure said she loved her job and was working towards becoming a constitutional court judge.
Basics
A public prosecutor is also known as "the people's lawyer", according to Treasure.
The expected starting salary is about R9000 a month or R110000 per annum, including benefits like medical aid and pension.
This can increase to up to R600000 per annum.
Job description
Public prosecutors present criminal cases in court, on behalf of the state. They are employed by the Department of Justice.
Treasure will start with reading the police docket, then decide whether the accused should be prosecuted and what charge should be brought against them.
"I represent the victim and my purpose is for justice, not always to get a guilty verdict or a conviction."
Public prosecutors work indoors, either in a court when prosecuting, or in an office when preparing for a case.
While in court, a public prosecutor is expected to bring evidence against the accused to prove that the alleged crime was committed by the accused.
Pros and cons
"The pros," smiles Treasure, "are working with people, and I am the lawyer for the victims of crime, so I like to see justice done, although that does not mean I want to get a conviction every day.
"I just want to see that justice is done, even if that means I lose a case.
"The cons are that I see kids coming to court over and over again, which is very sad.
"It's also tough dealing with the victim's response if the perpetrator is acquitted."
Required studies and experience
To become a public prosecutor, you need to complete a four-year LLB degree.
When applying for a job, you will need to pass a prosecutor's entry examination.
Students then go for training for eight months, after which they are qualified to practise as a prosecutor.
Personality types
To follow a career as a public prosecutor, you need to be well spoken and expressive.
"You cannot be shy and you need to read a lot," said Treasure.
Meticulous research was also very important, as prosecutor's had to be thoroughly prepared for every case.
An average day
A normal day for Treasure starts before 9am, as she has to be in court from 9am, and usually finishes at 4.15pm.
"I get 20 dockets a day and I have to read the docket to see where the case is and what is going on now.
"I start my day in court with postponements and then I do first appearance trials and finalisations. For those in custody, I am the one who gives or denies bail."
Treasure also has a lunch and tea break during her day.
The best thing about the job
"I love what I do - I am for the victim.
I have a passion for criminal law and I love talking," Treasure laughed.
The worst thing about the job
"I don't work alone, I work with the stenographer, the magistrate and the court orderly, so it can be difficult to get everyone in court on time.
"Also, fear is one of the worst things. I am against the 'bad guys' and they get bail and sometimes I am scared for my own safety.
"Especially when walking down the road and I see one of the people accused of a violent crime I am prosecuting in court.
"I never know if they might do something to me."
Finally, Treasure said: "It's not hard work, but there is a lot of it. You need dedication for this career. If I could do it, you can too!" - SACareerfocus
Nsizwa
Yeah right dear Prosecutor.............If only you knew how your job makes you destroy society..........you'd never be so proud.Report Abuse
phekulazikhuni
you make it sound like a noble profession when all you do is negotiate bribes for the disappearance of evidence with the accused, i have witnessed this on several occasions.Report Abuse
Kaylae
Ha tinyungubyisa hi wena n'wana le kaya.Keep up the good work and lock criminals.Report Abuse
Obeleki
We can't paint everyone with the brush, we have bad teachers and good teachers, bad Bishops and good Bishops, and similarly good prosecuters and bad ones.She has looks of a model than a lawyer.
Go get them bad guys girl, the country is looking upto you to lock them all up.
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MshekeshekeLower
@ Nsizwa@ phekulazikhuni
Whats your problem ....couldnt you reserve your criminal comments just for those that may be inspirational to the up and coming prosecutors, people like you have no place in our society.
SA needs more strong and well trained prosecutors to knail criminals like you.
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Nsizwa
@MshekeshekeLowerAre you trying to be my mother now?.....ungazophapha.
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