Criminal Investigator: Level 2

Position Reports to:   Ops Manager: Investigations

Division: SARS Criminal Investigations [Standard Stream]

Location: Durban

Advert Closing Date:  05 December 2025

About the Position

SARS is looking for an individual experienced in data collection/analysis and the collection and preservation of evidence. If you can determine trends from raw data and make sense of these data to aid in decision-making processes, then we need you. The suitable candidate should be able to interview witnesses and suspects; obtain relevant information from them converting that information into evidence that can be used in formal and criminal proceedings. They should also be able to write effective and accurate forensic and/or investigative reports. Executive effectively, this role will allow SARS to conduct complex criminal investigations into tax and customs offences.

Job Purpose

To conduct criminal investigations, under supervision, into tax and customs offences. 

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification & Experience Required 

National Diploma / Advanced Certificate (NQF 6) in Criminal/Forensic Investigations, Accounting/Taxation, Law AND 2-3 years' experience in direct and indirect taxes [Information gathering & Analysis]. 

#Alternative

Senior Certificate (NQF 4) and 5 years' experience in direct and indirect taxes [Information gathering & Analysis]. 

Minimum Functional Requirements

None

Job Outputs:

Process

•   Accumulate information and provide reports with recommendations applicable to area of specialisation Apply practical and applied knowledge and act authoritatively on methods, systems and procedures to identify trends and potential risks.

•     Communication of situational interpretation and judgement of work outputs and queries in area of specialisation.

•     Effectively plan and schedule own activities to continuously improve quality and service delivery in area of specialisation.

•     Execute process and procedural change, implement the changes and provide guidelines and support related to new requirements as a result of change.

•     Provide specialist input through the investigation of opportunities for operational and process product and risk optimisation.

•     Use practical and applied knowledge and situational judgement to arrive at decisions.

•     Correctly apply policies, standards, procedures and legislation in the delivery of work outputs.

•     Assist fellow investigators when interviewing informers and possible witness to gather information administered by the Commissioner.

•     Apply knowledge of the Legal framework relative to the work.

•     Plan and implement action necessary to conduct criminal investigations without supervision.

•     Prepare the various reports and records required for the Quarterly performance reviews conducted.

•     Correctly identify facts in dispute in relation to identified criminal conduct.

•     Determine offences and recommend appropriate punitive actions according to the relevant legislation.

•     Plan and organise own work tasks within area work.

•     Investigate reported wilful acts of non-compliance to SARS legislation.

•     Appears as a specialist witness in court and attend to court proceedings as and when required.

•     Provide assistance to other law enforcement agencies as and when required, within the mandate of the Acts administered by SARS.

•     Prepare accurate links and or association diagrams to explain the relationship between individuals, activities, premises etc, to investigators.

•     Evaluate, collate and analyse information received from various sources to support internal stakeholders with timely and accurate intelligence.

 Governance

• Comply to set governance and compliance procedures and processes related to an area of specialisation and continuously identify and escalate risks.

People

• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with peers and team members to achieve predefined objectives.

Finance

• Adhere to organisational policies and procedures to ensure cost effectiveness and reduction of financial costs

Client

• Contribute to a culture of service excellence, which builds positive relationships and provides opportunity for feedback and exceptional service.

Ensure own understanding and adherence to customer service delivery and provide specialist support to meet or exceed customer expectations

Behavioural competencies

• Fairness and Transparency
• Analytical thinking
• Working with others
• Accountability
• Conceptual Ability
• Honesty and Integrity
• Problem Solving and Analysis
• Conceptual Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Organisational Awareness

Technical competencies

•     Functional Policies and Procedures

•     Search and Seizure

•     Reporting

•     Business Knowledge

•     Efficiency improvement

•     Criminal Investigations

•     Decision Making and Problem Solving

•     Collection and preservation of evidence and the chain of custody (Investigations)

•     Interviewing and interrogation (Investigations)

•     Testify in formal and criminal proceedings

Compliance Competency

• Adjective Law 4

• GOC Confidential

• Substantive Law 1

• Interviewing and interrogation (Investigations)

• Testify informal and criminal proceedings

• Investigative reporting

Employment Equity

The Employment Equity policy of SARS will be considered as part of the recruitment and selection process and Persons with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will be required to undertake an oath of secrecy, pre-employment screening, case study, pre-assessment, psychometric assessment and or vetting, and a declaration of private interest. The appointment is also subject to appropriate reference(s) and security clearance where applicable.