A 15-year-old girl who was reported missing earlier this week has been found alive and has since been reunited with her family.
Gladys Mwenya, of Chalala Hillview, disappeared on Tuesday around 05:00 hours, sparking panic and desperate appeals from her family who later reported the matter to police.
However, in a shocking twist, Gladys was discovered sleeping in a drainage in Ng’ombe Township by two concerned women who immediately took action and rushed her to Manda Hill Police Post.
According to Gladys’ mother, she was later called to the police post and initially struggled to recognise her daughter due to the condition she was found in.
“She says when she got to the Police Post, it took her a minute to recognize the child Police Officers said was responding to the name Gladys Mwenya,” the report states.
Gladys reportedly told her family that she does not fully understand what influenced her to run away from home.
The mother has since expressed gratitude to members of the public who helped in ensuring the teenager was found and brought to safety.
She further revealed that although Gladys’ explanation remains unclear, the family has instituted a careful probe to establish what exactly happened during the days she was away.
The incident has triggered mixed reactions on social media, with many Zambians praising the women who rescued Gladys, while others raised concerns about child safety and the need for stronger mental health support and guidance for young people.
Source: © TV Yatu April 3, 2026
