A drunken police officer in Zambia let 13 suspects go from custody so they could celebrate the new year, according to officials.
Detective Inspector Titus Phiri was taken into custody after liberating the suspects from the Leonard Cheelo police station in Lusaka and then fleeing the scene himself. The 13 detainees were facing charges, including assault, robbery, and burglary.
They are all at large, prompting a manhunt to locate them.
Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga reported that Mr Phiri, “in a state of drunkenness, forcibly took the cell keys” from Constable Serah Banda on New Year’s Eve.
“He then opened both the male and female cells and told the suspects to leave, saying they were free to enter the new year,” he added.
“Of the 15 suspects in custody, 13 managed to escape. After the incident, the officer ran away.”
Mr Phiri has not yet responded to the accusations.
