A police officer in Zambia, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, released 13 detainees on New Year’s Eve to join in the celebrations, according to officials.
Detective Inspector Titus Phiri reportedly freed the suspects from Leonard Cheelo Police Station in Lusaka and fled the scene.
The 13 individuals, accused of crimes including assault, robbery, and burglary, are now on the run. Authorities have launched a manhunt to locate them.
Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga revealed that Phiri, “in a state of intoxication,” forcibly took the cell keys from Constable Serah Banda before unlocking the cells and instructing the detainees to leave, stating they were “free to cross over into the new year.” Of the 15 suspects in custody, 13 escaped.
Phiri has not publicly addressed the allegations.
Reacting to the incident, former presidential spokesperson and lawyer Dickson Jere called it “comical” in a Facebook post, though he also drew parallels to a similar case in 1997.
At that time, High Court Judge Kabazo Chanda ordered the release of 53 suspects, citing delays in their court appearances, stating, “Justice delayed is justice denied.”
This unusual episode has sparked widespread reactions, highlighting concerns about police conduct and accountability.
