On New Year’s Eve, a Zambian police officer under the influence of alcohol released 13 detainees from custody, according to official sources.
The officer stated that they should be allowed to celebrate the holiday.
Detective Inspector Titus Phiri, stationed at Leonard Cheelo Police Station in Lusaka, reportedly seized the keys from a fellow officer, unlocked the cells, and instructed the suspects to leave.
The detainees, facing charges such as robbery, burglary, and assault, remain at large.
“In a state of intoxication, Detective Inspector Phiri forcibly took the keys and told the suspects they were free to cross into the new year,” said police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga.
Phiri fled the scene after the incident but was later apprehended. A manhunt is underway to locate the escaped detainees.
The incident has sparked outrage and humor among the public. Lawyer and former presidential spokesperson Dickson Jere commented on social media.
“I keep laughing each time I picture the scenario – comical! But then I remembered a similar incident in 1997,” he wrote.
He said that on New Year’s Eve in 1997, the late, controversial High Court Judge Kabazo Chanda ordered the release of 53 suspects, some of whom were deemed dangerous by the police, saying their arrest had taken too long without any appearance in court.
Hamoonga stated that authorities are actively investigating the incident and appropriate disciplinary actions will be implemented based on the findings.
“This behavior is unacceptable and does not reflect the values of the Zambia Police Service,” he said
