The Department of Employment and Labour has launched an investigation into the death of 29-year-old Cartrack employee Gcina Dhladhla, who died inside a toilet cubicle at the company's Rosebank offices on Saturday.
Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya confirmed that labour inspectors have already visited the premises. He said the department wants to establish exactly what happened and whether any workplace safety laws were broken.
"Yesterday I spoke to the chief inspector regarding the matter. We're doing a thorough investigation, and we want to make sure that we leave no stone unturned, but we want to be sure of exactly what happened," Sibiya told the SABC.
According to Sibiya, the investigation will look at whether Cartrack complied with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
"Whether there are any labour laws that have been flouted or that weren't complied with? What resulted in the death of our dear sister? So, I'm waiting for the report. The team is compiling a report, and the department will be releasing a statement on the matter," he said.
Dhladhla's aunt, Nomusa Dhladhla, said her niece had told a colleague she was unwell in the days before her death. The colleague reported that Gcina was on her knees crying on Friday, saying she was sick but still scheduled to work on Saturday.
"She told this colleague she was on her knees crying on Friday, saying, 'I'm sick, guys, and I'm still scheduled to work on Saturday even though I told them I'm not well,'" Nomusa said.
Another colleague reportedly saw Dhladhla in tears in the office shortly before her death, removing her glasses as she cried.
Cartrack SA CEO Joshua Victor said the company is working with investigators and the family to uncover the facts. He described Dhladhla as a valued team member and said the loss has been deeply felt across the organisation.
"We remain deeply committed to supporting the family, cooperating fully with law enforcement and the Department of Labour, and ensuring that every fact is uncovered and established through the appropriate processes," Victor said.
The company and the family released a joint statement on Thursday saying they're united in wanting the full facts to be established.
The death has sparked outrage across the country. The ANC Youth League in Gauteng led a protest outside Cartrack's offices on Thursday, calling for the company to be held accountable.
Meanwhile, mourners gathered in Soweto on Saturday morning to bid Dhladhla farewell.
The department is expected to release a full report once the investigation is complete.