A two-year-traditional girl, Asanda Ndlovu, who was abducted from Meikles Mall in Bulawayo on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, was found alive on Thursday morning in a city flat, according to police reports. The discovery brought an end to a nearly 48-hour search that gripped the city and prompted a public appeal for information, amplified by Bulawayo mayor David Coltart.
Police raided a block of flats in Bulawayo following a tip-off from a member of the public, leading to the recovery of Asanda Ndlovu. She was reportedly unharmed and has since been reunited with her mother, who works as a shopkeeper at the mall. The mother had briefly lost sight of her daughter while assisting a customer, discovering her missing shortly thereafter.
A woman found at the flat caring for Asanda was taken into custody, protesting her innocence as she was led away in handcuffs, as captured in video footage of the rescue. Bulawayo police have stated they will release a statement with further details shortly.
CCTV footage from Meikles Mall showed a man carrying Asanda Ndlovu out of the premises on Tuesday, initiating the investigation. The swift recovery of the child has been met with widespread relief and celebration in Bulawayo, with residents expressing gratitude to law enforcement.
Two technicians from a private security firm, specializing in CCTV installation, were instrumental in providing the initial tip-off that led to the successful rescue, according to sources. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the abduction are ongoing, with authorities working to determine the motives and potential charges related to the case.
