NTSHEMBO MACHEKE
Forensic Pathology Officer Level 5
WALKERVILLE
Summary
Enthusiastic and detail-oriented professional committed to continuous learning and adaptability in dynamic environments. Proven expertise in operational management, strategic planning, and team leadership, consistently driving efficient processes and achieving organizational goals. Recognized for excellent communication skills, fostering collaboration, and maintaining integrity and accountability in all interactions. Dedicated public servant with a solid background in forensic pathology, adept at conflict resolution and emergency response, ready to tackle new challenges while ensuring community safety and security.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Laboratory Assistant
Department of Biotechnology (Microbiology and Biochemistry)
01.2016 - 05.2016
- Perform quality control on all samples tested in our laboratory, collect high-quality, unadulterated data, and contribute to our ever-growing knowledge database. Maintain cleanliness and health standards throughout the laboratory, ensuring samples can be always analyses safely and effectively, assisting scientists and students in testing hypotheses, and pursuing valuable new research in the biotechnology field. These were carried out for both biotechnology and biomedical technology students.
- Facilitated timely completion of experiments by maintaining a well-organized workspace and efficient workflow.
- Trained new laboratory personnel on standard operating procedures, ensuring consistent performance across team members.
- Actively participated in lab safety inspections, identifying potential hazards and implementing corrective actions promptly.
- Tracked collected specimens by initialing, dating, and noting times of collection.
- Maintained documentation on tests performed in lab.
- Served as a reliable source of information for colleagues seeking assistance or clarification on laboratory procedures or equipment use.
Forensic Pathology officer
Germiston medicolegal laboratory
11.2019 - Current
- Effective and efficient recovery, storage, and processing of bodies. Safekeeping of deceased, documents, evidence, information, exhibits, and property from incident scenes. Assist in rendering an efficient forensic autopsy process (this includes dissection, evisceration, scribing, and typing of autopsy reports under the supervision of the Forensic pathologist). Liaise with the Department of Home Affairs for the identification of unknown deceased. Liaise with the SAPS for exhibit handling. Liaise with the NHLS for specimen processing.
- Management of exhibits, specimens, specimen statements, and reports (including the completion and administration of statements and documentation during and after the forensic pathology process). Maintenance of mortuary and equipment hygiene in terms of Occupational Health and safety. Interacting with bereaved families. Practicing the Batho Pele Principles.
- Established effective relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally for increased collaboration opportunities.
- Mentored junior staff members, helping them develop their skills and advance in their careers.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to address complex issues, leading to more efficient problem-solving processes.
Laboratory Assistant
University of Johannesburg (SSC-UJ)
07.2018 - 06.2019
- Prepare for laboratory experiments and assist students with their experiments. Ensure safety in the laboratory, lead, and direct general housekeeping of the lab. Provide administrative assistance, facilitate learners during extra classes, and participate in science events and community outreach.
Quality controller trainee
Department of Quality Assurance
05.2016 - 06.2017
- Conduct microbiological monitoring, management of lab consumables and inventory list, daily equipment verifications, online QMS monitoring, verifications of COA/COC, perform quality assessment of raw material, intermediate and finished products, auditing and reporting writing, attending to consumer complaints (attended above 200 complaints), ensuring adherence to GMP and GLP, drafting of SSOPS/SOPs.
Education
Doctor in Philosophy - Biotechnology
University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South Africa02-2026
Master’s - Biotechnology
University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South Africa04-2022
B. Tech - Biotechnology
Vaal University of Technology
Vanderbijlpark, South Africa11-2019
National Diploma - Biotechnology
Vaal University of Technology
Vanderbijlpark, South Africa11-2016
Skills
Caring attitude, Organized and reliable
Ability to work under pressure and ability to multitask
Self-motivated and results-driven
Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook)
Practical understanding of HACCP Systems
Specimen processing
Research and documentation
Work coordination
Team collaboration
Report writing
Strategic planning
Timeline
Forensic Pathology officer
Germiston medicolegal laboratory
11.2019 - Current
Laboratory Assistant
University of Johannesburg (SSC-UJ)
07.2018 - 06.2019
Quality controller trainee
Department of Quality Assurance
05.2016 - 06.2017
Laboratory Assistant
Department of Biotechnology (Microbiology and Biochemistry)
01.2016 - 05.2016
Doctor in Philosophy - Biotechnology
University of Johannesburg
Master’s - Biotechnology
University of Johannesburg
B. Tech - Biotechnology
Vaal University of Technology
National Diploma - Biotechnology
Vaal University of Technology