Woman found alive after being locked away for 27 years by parents

Police in Poland have made a grim discovery; a 42-year-old woman identified only as Mirella, who had been missing since 1998, was found alive inside her parents’ home.

Officers found her in July while responding to a domestic disturbance and were shocked to see her in a frail state, with leg wounds reportedly 'reaching to the bone'.

Mirella disappeared at age 15, and her parents allegedly told neighbours she had gone missing or been reunited with biological relatives. 

According to local reports, she spent most of her life confined to a single room with no contact with the outside world. 

Police called for medical help despite her insistence that 'everything was fine', and doctors later confirmed she was days away from death due to infection.

While her 81-year-old mother denied any wrongdoing, prosecutors have launched an investigation into possible psychological and physical abuse. 

"Why would a mother do that to her child? For 27 years, there was no intervention from anyone. Sadly, not the only case like this in the world, is it?" says international correspondent Adam Gilchrist.

Mirella is said to be recovering in hospital with support from former neighbours, who have begun raising funds to help her rebuild her life, as she has no identification documents, income, or official records in Poland’s systems.

To listen to Adam Gilchrist in conversation with 702's Bongani Bingwa, use the audio player below: