5-year-old Luwingu girl drowns in well as police caution parents

A five-year-old girl drowned in a well under unclear circumstances in Luwingu District, Northern Province, prompting police to caution parents against allowing young children to fetch water unaccompanied.

The child, daughter of 38-year-old Ireen Musonda, went missing on March 13, 2026, around 13:00 hours, according to Northern Province Commanding Officer Simunji Mulonda.

Her mother began searching for her within the village but was unable to locate her.

The matter was later reported to the Luwingu Police Station as a missing person case.

“Early this morning around 06:30 hours, members of the public continued with the search and discovered her green tropicals floating in a well at a neighbouring house,” Mulonda said.

Police officers rushed to the scene and retrieved the child’s body after pumping out the water. An inspection revealed that she had bleeding from the nose and bruises on the back and right thigh.

The body was taken to Luwingu District Hospital Mortuary.

“No foul play is suspected, and the family has been advised to proceed with burial. It is likely she was attempting to fetch water alone,” Mulonda said.

He urged parents to ensure that small children are not left to fetch water from wells unaccompanied to prevent similar tragedies.postmortem and identification.

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