The family of 45-year-old security guard Pulane Putsoa is searching for answers after she was found unresponsive while on duty during a night shift at Sol Plaatje University.
According to her husband, Pulane left home for work as usual but never returned. Her sudden death has left relatives devastated, with many questioning whether enough was done to protect and monitor her while she was on duty.
Family members claim that Pulane’s body remained on the ground for several hours before she was discovered. They are now demanding clarity about the events leading up to her death, especially regarding supervision, communication systems, and emergency response procedures at the workplace.
The heartbreaking incident has sparked wider discussions about the difficult conditions many security guards in South Africa face daily. Security officers often work long shifts, sometimes alone and overnight, with limited support or access to immediate medical assistance in emergencies.
Relatives revealed that Pulane had been struggling with health and financial challenges before her passing. She reportedly suffered from high blood pressure and relied on state healthcare services after experiencing medical aid problems linked to her employer’s security company. The family also alleged that workers had experienced delays in receiving their salaries, adding more stress to already demanding working conditions.
Despite these difficulties, colleagues described Pulane as a warm and cheerful person who always tried to make others smile. Many who worked alongside her said she remained kind and hardworking even during challenging times.
Her death has deeply affected co-workers, friends, and community members, with many expressing anger and sadness over the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Police have since opened an inquest docket to determine the exact cause of death. Authorities are expected to investigate whether any medical emergency occurred during her shift and whether proper procedures were followed after she collapsed.
Both the university and the security company have confirmed that they are cooperating with investigations. However, for Pulane’s family, many painful questions remain unanswered.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns about the welfare of security guards across the country. Many South Africans have taken to social media to call for better working conditions, proper healthcare support, regular wellness checks, and faster emergency response systems for guards working isolated shifts.
Others believe companies and institutions should be held accountable when workers die while on duty, especially if there are allegations of negligence or poor support systems.
Labour activists have also raised concerns about the pressures security officers endure, including low wages, delayed salaries, exhaustion, and limited access to healthcare benefits. Many argue that workers who spend hours protecting people and property deserve stronger protection themselves.
As investigations continue, Pulane Putsoa’s loved ones hope they will finally receive answers about what happened during her final hours. Her death has become another painful reminder of the sacrifices many security guards make every day while working under difficult and often dangerous conditions.
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