A Cartrack employee has died after allegedly being refused permission to leave work, despite explicitly stating that she was not feeling well.

According to the employee’s aunt, Nomusa Dhladhla, when call center agent Gcina Dladhla collapsed at work, her manager allegedly raised concerns about who would pay for her medical treatment if she were taken to the private hospital located just across the road.

Dhladhla further alleged that an ambulance was not called immediately following her niece’s collapse. Nomusa, who was in Soweto at the time, said she had to call a private ambulance herself to dispatch to the offices in Rosebank, Johannesburg, where the company’s first aid team was attempting to assist her niece. Tragically, Gcina did not survive and passed away at the workplace.

Cartrack’s Response

Cartrack has strongly rejected claims that the employee was denied the opportunity to go home before she passed away at its Rosebank offices. The company has faced severe social media backlash following allegations that the female employee died while on duty due to management negligence.

Cartrack clarified that the incident occurred on a Saturday and stated that it is fully supporting a thorough investigation into the matter.

“We are saddened and shocked by the false claims circulating on social media regarding the circumstances of this tragic incident. These claims are deeply distressing, particularly at a time when our colleague’s family, friends, and coworkers are grieving her loss,” Cartrack told The Citizen.

The company explained that the employee experienced a “sudden and unexpected” medical emergency while at work. According to Cartrack, the deceased arrived at work at 8:00 AM on Saturday morning and reported to her manager by 9:00 AM that she was feeling ill. The manager accompanied the employee to the bathroom, where she allegedly locked herself inside a stall.

“The manager returned to the bathroom a few minutes later to check on her,” Cartrack stated. “When she did not get a response, she immediately notified facilities to get the door opened and, at the same time, activated the trained first responders to assist.”

Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tinstwalo Sibeko confirmed that the matter is under official investigation. “I can confirm that an inquest has been opened at the Rosebank police station and investigations are underway,” Sibeko told The Citizen.

Wider Allegations of Workplace Mistreatment

This tragedy has amplified existing allegations regarding the mistreatment of employees at Cartrack. Critics allege that the company does not comply with the Labour Relations Act, pointing to claims that some employees are denied lunch breaks and barred from using the building’s lifts.

Former and current staff have spoken out about being forced to use the stairs instead of elevators, and images have circulated on social media showcasing employees eating their lunch in the parking lot. This developing story has raised broader concerns about toxic working conditions within call centers across the country.

Got a Story?

We want to hear from you. If there’s a story we should cover or someone we need to interview, email us at tbsnews@smellsdigital.com. To grow your brand with us, get in touch at ads@smellsdigital.com. Explore more at www.SmellsDigital.com.