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updated 2/18/2011 6:27:01 PM ET 2011-02-18T23:27:01

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

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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.

MORE: Oprah Winfrey's life-changing family secret

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.

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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.

Story: Oprah's got her OWN problems

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.

MORE: Fellow Africa activist George Clooney contracted malaria on his last trip to the region

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Photos: It's Oprah world

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  1. YOU get a thank you, and YOU get a thank you...

    Oprah Winfrey acknowledges fans during a star-studded taping of "Surprise Oprah! A Farewell Spectacular," in Chicago on Tuesday, May 17, 2011. Her famed talk show is finally going off the air after 25 years as Winfrey moves to her OWN network. (Kiichiro Sato / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  2. Honor from Hizzoner

    In one of his last acts before leaving office, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley presents Winfrey with a sign after a street was named in her honor outside her Harpo Studios in Chicago on Wednesday, May 11, 2011. (M. Spencer Green / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  3. Presidential visitors

    President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama are pictured with Winfrey during a taping of one of her last shows in Chicago on Wednesday, April 27, 2011. Winfrey memorably cried tears of joy when Obama was elected. (Charles Dharapak / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  4. On her OWN

    Winfrey, chairman of OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, announces the new original programming for the channel's Jan. 1, 2011 launch to members of the advertising and media communities on Thursday, April 8, 2010 in New York. (Mary Altaffer / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  5. Going Gaga

    Oprah Winfrey wears sunglasses and holds a hair bow given to her by Lady Gaga, left, after a live broadcast of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" on Friday, Jan. 15, 2010 in Chicago. (George Burns / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  6. Backed by Oprah

    Executive producers Tyler Perry, right, and Oprah Winfrey walk the red carpet at the AFI Fest 2009 gala screening of their new film "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire" in Hollywood on Nov. 1, 2009. (Fred Prouser / Reuters) Back to slideshow navigation
  7. Chicago's failed Olympic bid

    First lady Michelle Obama, left, sits next to Winfrey and Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, right, at the opening ceremonies of the 121st International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session and XIII Olympic Congress at the Copenhagen Opera House on Oct. 1, 2009, in Copenhagen. Despite the star power backing its bid to host the 2016 Olympics, Chicago was eliminated during the first round. (Charles Dharapak / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  8. The queen of daytime

    Winfrey, right, performs with the Black Eyed Peas' Fergie, center, and will.i.am, left, in Chicago on Sept. 8, 2009, while taping an episode of "The Oprah Winfrey Show." The episode was taped on a three-block stretch of Michigan Avenue near the Chicago River to celebrate the show's 24th season. (Kiichiro Sato / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  9. Honorary degree

    Winfrey smiles at Duke president Richard Brodhead after receiving her honorary degree from Duke University during a graduation ceremony in Durham, N.C., on May 10, 2009. Her godson, William Bumpus, son of her well-known friend, Gayle King, was among the graduates. (John Rottet / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  10. Charitable giving

    Winfrey stands in front of hundreds of children in Durban, South Africa, on Dec. 8, 2002. Tens of thousands of children received gifts of food, clothing, athletic shoes, school supplies, books and toys as part of Winfrey's philanthropic trip for her charity, the Oprah Winfrey Foundation. (Benny Gool / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
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