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The National Health Department said it was investigating four deaths that could be linked to the ongoing strike by members of the trade union Nehawu.
Health Department spokesperson, Foster Mohale, said however that these were "preliminary reports" which were being verified.
"There are some preliminary reports which suggest that there are people who have lost their lives which could be directly linked with the current strike action by Nehawu," Mohale said.
He stressed that these were preliminary reports, and any further action will be determined by the outcome of the investigation.
Mohale said the current reports of the deaths were received from Gauteng, but he said they were also checking with other provinces.
Meanwhile, the Health Department also confirmed an instruction to Provincial Departments to approach the courts for interdicts, as reports of violence and intimidation flood in.
Mohale said the interdict would be against Nehawu in that province from intimidating, disrupting, and threatening people who want to access health services, including those health care workers who are ready and committed to serving the public.
Health workers went on strike this week in support of a 10% wage hike, while the government has reportedly offered 4.7%.
