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Schoolgirl (16) gives birth to baby in classroom

A teenager who concealed her pregnancy from her teachers was unable to hide her secret any longer when she went into labour and gave birth at her school.

The 16-year-old Grade 10 pupil delivered a healthy baby girl at Webbstown High School at Umzimkhulu village in KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday afternoon.

Education officials confirmed the incident and said they had assisted the pupil to deliver her baby in the classroom.

The young mother, who cannot be identified because she is a minor, reportedly experienced labour pains throughout the day until she delivered just two hours before school closed for the day.

A fellow pupil who asked not to be identified said the pupils were still shocked about what had happened in their classroom.

"We saw her in distress and alerted the principal, Gugu Jama. Some of us are still traumatised about the incident," the pupil said.

The principal immediately called for a state ambulance, but it failed arrive.

"We had no other choice but to send her fellow pupils outside and helped the pupil deliver the baby in her classroom.

"Fortunately, we delivered the baby safely," a teacher who also asked not be named said.

Teachers said the pupil did not tell them she was pregnant and they had not seen any signs that she was carrying a baby.

When Sowetan called the pupil, who was still in hospital, she said she and her baby were healthy and doing well.

She said she would probably be discharged today.

Provincial education department spokesman Sihle Mlotshwa said the department was not aware of the incident.

"The standard procedure is that the pregnant pupil must not be expelled from school. She must be allowed to attend until it's not safe for her or the unborn baby to do so," he said.

Mlotshwa commended the teachers who assisted in delivering the baby because a medical team was not there.

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