Street vendor delivers baby at Siloam taxi rank
Street vendor Lucy Luvhimbi heroically delivered a baby at Siloam taxi rank after a pregnant woman went into unexpected labour.
LIMPOPO – In an act of bravery and compassion, Lucy Luvhimbi, a well-known street vendor from Tshirendzheni village, came to the rescue when a young pregnant woman unexpectedly went into labour and collapsed at the Siloam taxi rank early in the morning.
Luvhimbi, affectionately known as ‘My Darly’ by her customers, had just arrived at the rank to prepare her famous chicken dust when she was alerted to the emergency. Rushing to the scene, she realised the woman’s water had broken.
“I immediately grabbed a cloth and placed it under her legs,” Luvhimbi recalled.
Staying calm under pressure, she helped to deliver the baby safely, waiting for the newborn’s first cry before breathing a sigh of relief.
The mother and baby were later transported to Siloam Hospital, where they are both reported to be stable. Luvhimbi’s quick thinking has been widely praised by the community, with many calling her a hero.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health has addressed reports that the mother had been turned away by Siloam Hospital. According to spokesperson Neil Shikwambana, the woman had been examined by a doctor on February 2 and was deemed not to be in active labour at the time. She was discharged with follow-up care instructions.
“Labour unexpectedly started at the taxi rank, and EMS personnel were only called after the birth had already taken place,” said Shikwambana.
He assured the public that both mother and baby are now receiving the necessary medical attention.
