A SOUTH AFRICAN police officer is being hailed a local hero after helping deliver a healthy baby boy on the side of a road in the Durban CBD.
The mother went into labour while walking along Dr Pixley Kaseme Street last month.
A member of the public saw what was happening and approached a nearby Metro Police officer for assistance.
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The officer then contacted colleague, Warden Officer Ashley Diedericks who had previously served as both a paramedic and a firefighter.
Diedericks raced to the scene and assessed the situation as soon as he arrived.
He realised the woman was close to delivering the baby and there would not be enough time to get her to a hospital.
Other officers who responded called in at a nearby clinic to collect medical equipment.
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They then formed a human shield around the woman to provide give her some privacy and keep onlookers and other pedestrians at bay.
Warden Officer Diedericks was humble about the role he played in bringing the baby boy into the world.
He said he had helped deliver many babies before.
“I’m just happy I was able to help,” he said.
Durban Metro Police spokesperson Senior Superintendent Parboo Sewpersad said it was good to see officers going above and beyond the call of duty.
Durban is the largest city in the KwaZulu-Natal province and forms part of the eThekwini Municipality.
The coastal city is home to Africa’s busiest port.
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