Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News, 2013-12-03

A woman from Protea South in Soweto has died after four Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) employees allegedly refused to take her to hospital because she was too dirty.

Sarah Bezuidenhout  needed urgent medical attention last Thursday when her family called for an ambulance.

It’s alleged the four paramedics refused to transport her.

"This allegation is taken very seriously and the [Emergency Management Service] will thoroughly investigate any formal complaint from the family and take the necessary disciplinary steps if culprits are found to have acted improperly," spokesman Robert Mulaudzi said in a statement.

Mulaudzi said the EMS had noted the claim "with great concern" and it encouraged the woman's family to formally lodge a complaint.

The four employees are now facing possible disciplinary action