When Sergeant Jo-Ann Benn became a police officer, she vowed to serve and protect communities from crime. But during the early hours of Sunday morning (September 27), her duties took an unexpected turn when she stepped in to deliver a baby girl in White Location, Knysna. 

What makes the moment even more remarkable is that this was not her first delivery. 

Two years ago, Benn (42), a member of Knysna Police Station, delivered her sister-in-law’s baby in her car next to the N2 near Buffelsbaai. 

The mother of three says she has not had any midwifery training. 

Speaking about the recent delivery, she says she was on routine patrol when she was approached by Vuyelwa Mavis Booi, who was struggling to get hold of an ambulance for her daughter, Lusapho Booi (23), who was in labour. 

“When I got to their home, Lusapho was standing and unaware that her baby was about to arrive,” says Benn.  

No time to wait 

“I guided her to lie on the couch so I could see how far along she was. The baby’s head was already crowning. I realised there was no time to wait.” 

She explains that she asked Vuyelwa to get towels because she did not have any gloves. 

“I told Lusapho that her baby was coming and she needed to help me by pushing when I said she must push,” says Benn.  

“During this time, I assured her that the baby was going to be OK, and just like that, we had a successful delivery.” 

Benn adds that she was nervous, as anything could have gone wrong. 

“While delivering the baby, I prayed and asked God to help me through it, and I just trusted in Him,” she says.  

“After the delivery, Lusapho thanked me and said, ‘Never again’. We had a good laugh.” 

Baby named Nolitha 

Lusapho gave Benn the opportunity to name her baby, and she chose the name Nolitha. 

“I don’t know where that name came from at that time of the morning, but I know Nolitha means light,” says Benn. 

Lusapho and Nolitha were then transported to hospital while Benn continued with her duties. 

“When I returned home that night, I told my family about the experience, and they mocked me, saying I was now a natural,” says Benn. 

First-time mother 

Lusapho says that as a first-time mother, she was nervous because her due date was only October 16. 

“When I saw Sergeant Benn enter my home, I was happy,” says Lusapho.

“I knew I was going to be okay.” 

She adds that Nolitha is doing well and weighs 2.5kg. 

“I just love the name Nolitha, and I wanted to say thank you to Sergeant Benn for being there for me when I needed help,” adds Lusapho. 

Extraordinary 

Cheryl Britz from the Knysna Community Police Forum describes Benn’s actions as ‘extraordinary and selfless’. 

“As a community, we would like to give her our highest praise,” says Britz.  

“Sergeant Benn stepped in without hesitation and safely helped to deliver a baby girl, turning a stressful situation into a heartwarming moment of joy.” 

Britz adds that Benn’s calm demeanour and caring actions showed the community that policing is not only about enforcing the law, but about serving communities with courage and kindness when needed most. 

“Thank you, Sergeant Benn; you will always be a part of the child’s future story and an inspiration to us all,” says Britz. 

Reflecting on the delivery, Benn – who has been in law enforcement for 12 years – says she joined police service to serve and protect, but this second experience made her realise that being a police officer extends beyond fighting crime. 

“It is also about lending a hand to communities beyond the badge,” says Benn. 

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