SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Conduct an inquest investigation 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
253987  Conduct an inquest investigation 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Resolving of Crime 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Safety in Society 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for learners who conduct inquest investigations in order to determine possible cause of death, be it natural or unnatural. This unit standard will enable learners to identify the cause of death by demonstrating an understanding of various wounds. Learners will also be able to apply various types of investigation methods when investigation the causes of death.

A learner credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Evaluate types of death.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the role of post-mortem examinations.
  • Assess specific unnatural deaths.
  • Demonstrate understanding of handling of samples.
  • Assess the duties of an investigator in establishing the identity of the body.
  • Prepare a docket for court purposes.
  • Conduct an investigation of an unnatural death. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Evaluate the cause of death. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Natural and unnatural deaths are listed according to their differences. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Cause of natural deaths are evaluated in terms of their influence on the investigation process. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Natural deaths refer to but are not limited to sicknesses, heart attack, stroke, cancer or result of showing old age.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Cause of unnatural deaths are evaluated in terms of their influence on the investigation process. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Unnatural deaths refer to but are not limited to accidents, murder, suicide, culpable homicide, drowning, exposure, strangulation, accidental poisoning, falling from heights like buildings and cliffs, an overdose of medicine, craft accidents, aircraft, shipping accidents, disasters, industrial accidents, mine accidents and accidents as a result of explosives.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Cause of death by means of suicide is evaluated in terms of its influence on the investigation process. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Cause may refer to but are not limited to using a firearm, gassing by means of motor exhaust gas or other gas poisoning, jumping off high buildings, jumping in front of moving trains/vehicles, strangulation, infliction of fatal wounds, for example by cutting wrists, taking an overdose or incorrect medicine on purpose and drowning.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Types of wounds are described in line with the cause of death. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Type of wounds refer to but are not limited to abrasions (such as scratch marks, scrape wounds, deflection marks, contusion, pressure wounds and bruises), lacerations, wounds as a result of cuts (such as knives, blades and glass) suicide wounds (such as the neck and the wrist), stab wounds, bullet wounds.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate understanding of the role of post-mortem examinations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose of a post-mortem is assessed in terms of its evidential value. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The reasons for accurate note keeping regarding wounds are evaluated in terms of the outcome of the post-mortem. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Accurate note taking refer to the making of notes at the time of arrival of the scene regarding any visible wounds on the body of the deceased of a unnatural death because secondary wounds sustained after the incident/death might be misleading during the post-mortem and the completion of the report which accompany the body to the medical legal lab (mortuary).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of attending the post-mortem examination is evaluated in terms of the supplying of information relating to the incident. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Information may refer to but is not limited to time/date of incident, what happened, what weapon(s) used, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Aspects to be taken notice of during the post-mortem are evaluated in terms of their evidential value. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Aspect refer to but is not limited to the order in which events took place, external examination, opening of every body cavity, like the skull and the chest, full internal dissection and examination of the organs, gathering of samples for the purpose of examination in the laboratory.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Aspects to be taken into account when time of death is determined in order to make informed decisions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Aspects refer to but is not limited to cooling, Rigor Mortis and Purification.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Assess specific unnatural deaths. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Specific unnatural deaths are assessed in line with the nature and origin of the cause. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Specific unnatural deaths refer to but are not limited to industrial accidents such as mine, explosions aviation accidents, death under anaesthesia and blood transfusion.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The procedures to be followed in investigating specific unnatural deaths are evaluated in terms of their impact on the causes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Role-players are identified in terms of their functions within the investigation process. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Role-players may refer to but are not limited to inspectors, explosive controllers, aviation inspectors, doctors in control, Medical and Dental Board or the Department of Health, Department of Defence, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Aspects to be taken into account when dealing with poisoning and toxicology is evaluated in terms with the investigation process. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Aspects refer to but are not limited to the deleterious effects of drugs and chemicals on living organisms, the origin of the poison, and characteristics of the poison Ingredients of the toxicant, symptoms of the poison, poison's physiological effects and antidote for the poison.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate understanding of handling of samples. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Handling refers to but is not limited to: collecting, packing, sealing and dispatching. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Types of samples are evaluated in terms of their evidential value. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types of samples refer to but are not limited to organic, stomach and contents, whole liver, both kidneys, lungs, intestine, colon and rectum, uterus, hair and nails.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The differences between organic and inorganic samples are assessed in terms of their characteristics. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Organic samples refer to but are not limited to samples such as fluids, vomit, urine, bladder and blood and inorganic samples refer to but are not limited to samples such as poison, food, drink, medication anaesthetics, chemicals, plants and herbs.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Aspect to be taken into account when forwarding samples are evaluated in line with organizational policies and procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Aspects refer to but are not limited to authority for analysis, a copy of the report of the post-mortem examination, a report from the doctor including type of samples, reference numbers, symptoms and the reason why poisoning is suspected and type of poison possibly responsible for death.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Methods handling of samples are evaluated in terms of their advantages and disadvantages. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The value of the forensic report are evaluated in relation to the investigation process. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Assess the duties of an investigator in the identification of the body. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of identifying the body is assessed to inform next actions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Next steps refer to but are not limited to informing the next of kin, going through the records and details of the incident.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Reasons for the continuity with the purpose of associating the body with the incident are assessed in relation to the completion of the investigation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The differences between statements for an inquest and other investigations are evaluated in terms of their potential value in the investigation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Differences may refer to sworn statements or confirmation, as well as the reason for a duplicate.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Role-players of whom statements must be obtained are described in relation to the possible content of the statements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Role-players may refer to but are not limited to ambulance drivers, hospital staff, person who found the body and next of kin.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Methods of identifying a body which cannot be identified by normal means of identification, are assessed in terms of the processes to be followed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Methods refer to but are not limited to fingerprints and photos.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Aspects to be taken into account during the handling of exhibits and evidence are assessed in line with organizational policies and procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Aspects refer to but are not limited to handling of firearms, suicide notes and the use of aids such as the (LCRC) Local Criminal Record Centre and forensic analysis.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Prepare a docket for court purposes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Inquest dockets and other crime dockets are distinguished in terms of their differences. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Aspects to be taken into account when using printed forms are evaluated in terms of their potential evidential value. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Aspects may refer to but are not limited to completion in duplicate, sworn to or confirmed to, every modification, adjustment, insertion and deletion must be signed and dated by the person making the statement, as well as the Commissioner of Oaths as well as if the printed forms do not make provision for the full details required, a sworn and/or confirmed statement must be completed, in full, in duplicate.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The role of the chain of evidence is evaluated in line with the court processes. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The role of the chain of evidence refer to but are not limited to the dates and times of handing over and receiving of the body must correspond, every witness in the chain must make a statement regarding supervision, handling, transport and further injuries or wounds, the chain of evidence material and samples and the identifying of evidence material, samples and serial numbers, as well as damage or changes are of the greatest important and any damage or changes must be explained by means of statements.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The role of photos, plans, statements and other sworn evidence is evaluated in terms of their evidential value. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    An inquest docket is compiled in line with the investigation process within a structured scenario. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The docket refer to is not limited to and must consist of statement of witnesses (such as the mine inspector) photo Albums and plans, reports of specialists regarding specialist investigations and analysis, suicide notes, statements of suspects and statement of the investigating officer on when the investigation was completed.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The proof of death is assessed with regards to the investigation and court processes. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Proof of death refer to but is not limited to date and time last seen, identity, mental state, soberness, knowledge of specific problems such as debts, poor health and other relevant information.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Conduct an investigation into the cause of death. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The circumstances surrounding a body to determine cause of death are evaluated in order to inform the investigation method. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Cause of death may refer to but are not limited to accidents, suicide and murder.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Reasons for investigating every unnatural death is assessed in line with the purpose of investigation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The legal prescripts pertaining to investigations regarding unnatural deaths are identified in line with statutory legislation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Legal prescripts refer to but are not limited to Inquests Act, 1959 (Act 45/1990, Act 5/1991, Act 58/1959), Inquest Amendment Acts, 1990 and 1991 (Act 45 of 1990 and Act no 8 of 1991).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The role of the court in the investigation process is explained in line with criminal justice principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    An investigation is performed within a given case study. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Investigation must include an Investigation diary, statements, affidavits, the cause of death, documents related to identification, submission for a decision, register of death and closing.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any individual who wishes to be assessed against this unit standard (including assessment of RPL) may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA. Assessors must be competent in the outcome of the Unit Standard.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or assessing this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the relevant ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Evaluate the cause of death.
  • Differences between natural and unnatural deaths.
  • Cause of natural deaths.
  • Cause of unnatural deaths.
  • Cause of death by means of suicide.
  • Types of wounds.
  • Purpose of a post-mortem.
  • Reasons for accurate note keeping.
  • Importance of attending the post-mortem examination.
  • Aspects to be taken notice of during the post-mortem.
  • Cooling, Rigor Mortis and Purification.
  • Specific unnatural deaths.
  • Procedures to be followed in investigating specific unnatural deaths.
  • Role-players.
  • Aspects to be taken into account when dealing with poisoning: toxicology.
  • Types of samples.
  • Differences between organic and inorganic samples.
  • Aspect to be taken into account when forwarding samples.
  • Methods of packaging and dispatching of samples.
  • Value of the forensic report.
  • Investigation process.
  • Importance of identifying the body.
  • Reasons for the continuity with the purpose of associating the body with the incident.
  • Differences between statements for an inquest and other investigations.
  • Methods of identifying body which can not be identified by means of identification.
  • Aspects to be taken into account during the handling of exhibits and evidence.
  • Differences between an inquest docket and other crime dockets.
  • Aspects to be taken into account when using printed forms.
  • Role of the chain of evidence within the docket.
  • Court processes.
  • Role of photos, plans, statements and other sworn evidence.
  • Role of proof of death.
  • Circumstances surrounding a body to determine cause of death.
  • Reasons for investigating every unnatural death.
  • Inquests Act, 1959 (Act 45/1990, Act 5/1991, Act 58/1959).
  • Inquest Amendment Acts, 1990 and 1991 (Act 45 of 1990 and Act no 8 of 1991). 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions, using critical thinking, have been made. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization or community. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical, and/or language skills in the modes of written and/or oral presentation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
  • Must be competent in the outcomes of this unit standard.
  • Must have well-developed subject matter expertise.
  • At least 2 years practical experience (within the field of inquest investigation).
  • Must be a registered assessor with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  90657   National Certificate: Prosecuting  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 
    Elective  59989   National Certificate: Resolving of Crime  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2016-06-30  SAS SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. AFRIC POLICING INSTITUTE 
    2. BROOKLYN CITY COLLEGE (PTY) LTD RUSTENBURG CAMPUS 
    3. DAM SCHOOL OF POLICING 
    4. DAM SCHOOL OF POLICING POLOKWANE 
    5. DAM SCHOOL OF POLICING PRETORIA 
    6. DECENTRALISED TRAINING DURBAN 
    7. HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CENTRE: EAST RAND 
    8. HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CENTRE: VAALRAND 
    9. JEPPE COLLEGE OF COMMERCE AND COMPUTER 
    10. SA POLOCE SERVICE 
    11. SHEPPERD ACADEMY 
    12. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE BASIC TRAINING PROVISION 
    13. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE BASIC TRAINING PROVISION INSTITUTION GRAA 
    14. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE BASIC TRAINING PROVISION INSTITUTION OUDS 
    15. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE DIAMONDFIELD IN SERVICE AND SPECIALIZED T 
    16. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPEMENT CENTRE PIETER 
    17. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE IN SERVICE TRAINING PROVISION INSTITUTION 
    18. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE PROVINCIAL HEAD OFFICE EASTERN CAPE TRAIN 
    19. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE TRAINING INSTITUTION ALL SAINTS 
    20. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE TRAINING INSTITUTION NORTH WEST PROVINCE 
    21. STRATEGIC INVESTIGATIONS AND SEMINARS 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.