Beyond the badge: Northern Cape police officers help woman giving birth

TWO POLICE officers in Lime Acres became unexpected heroes this week when they stepped in to help a woman in the middle of giving birth - right in her lounge.

According to Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Omphile Masegela, what started as a call for assistance quickly turned into a life-saving operation after two women rushed into the SAPS administration offices, concerned about someone “screaming hysterically” at a nearby residence.

Sergeants Sehano Khalaki and Thabo Kgomojong wasted no time. Arriving at the scene, they were met with urgent cries coming from inside the house. They entered to find a woman in active labour, already in the process of delivering her baby on the couch. The newborn had just arrived, and both mother and child were visibly cold and weak.

While Sergeant Khalaki sprang into action to assist the woman and care for the newborn, Sergeant Kgomojong called for medical back-up. Moments later, medics from Petra Finsch Mine Ambulance arrived and transported both mother and baby to hospital for further care.

The quick thinking and compassionate response of the officers have been widely commended, with ZF Mgcawu district commissioner Major-General Monica Sebili hailing their actions as an inspiring display of humanity in uniform.