A Zambian police officer, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, released 13 detainees from custody to celebrate the New Year, according to officials.
Detective Inspector Titus Phiri was arrested after freeing the suspects from Leonard Cheelo Police Station in Lusaka and then fleeing the scene himself.
The detainees, facing charges including assault, robbery, and burglary, are now on the run. A manhunt has been launched to recapture them.
Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga stated that Phiri, “in a state of intoxication, forcibly seized cell keys” from Constable Serah Banda on New Year’s Eve.
“Subsequently, Detective Inspector Phiri unlocked both the male and female cells and instructed the suspects to leave, stating they were free to cross over into the new year,” Hamoonga said.
“Of the 15 suspects in custody, 13 escaped. Following the incident, the officer fled the scene.”
Phiri has not commented on the allegations.
Reacting to the incident, former presidential spokesperson and lawyer Dickson Jere wrote on Facebook: “I keep laughing each time I picture the scenario – comical! But then, I remembered a similar incident in 1997.”
On New Year’s Eve 1997, the late High Court Judge Kabazo Chanda controversially ordered the release of 53 suspects, some considered dangerous, due to prolonged detention without trial since 1992.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” Judge Chanda had declared.
