Tragic! Dead Baby Found in Bag After Being Born at Oprah Winfrey's South African School

Authorities say 17-year-old student had apparently given birth to the child and was being treated at the hospital for excessive bleeding

The real drama in Oprah Winfrey's life is taking place far away from her new cable network.

The body of a newborn baby was discovered in a bag belonging to a student at the already scandal-plagued Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in Johannesburg, according to South African authorities.

Hospital staffers discovered the lifeless infant when the 17-year-old girl identified as the baby's mother was brought in to be treated for excessive bleeding, the child in a bag she brought with her. Police believe that the girl, who remains hospitalized, gave birth at the school.

Charges have not been filed at this time and police are investigating, after which the case will be turned over to the Director for Public Prosecutions, ABC News reports. They have not said whether foul play is suspected in the child's death.

A Chicago-based spokesman for Winfrey's school said they will not be commenting on the case, as it involves a minor.

As did the case of the school's former dorm matron, who was accused in 2007 of molesting several students. Virginia Tiny Makopo was eventually acquitted of the charges, leaving Winfrey "profoundly disappointed."

The talk-show queen and cable-network founder ultimately fired the school's headmistress, as well, stating that she would do everything in her power to "ensure [the students'] safety and well-being."

In March 2009, four pupils were expelled and another three suspended for alleged "inappropriate behaviors," which were said to include "sexual misconduct," toward other students.

(Originally published Feb. 18, 2011, at 2:30 p.m. PT)