A Zambian police officer reportedly released 13 detainees from custody on New Year’s Eve while under the influence of alcohol, authorities confirm.
Detective Inspector Titus Phiri was arrested after freeing the suspects at Leonard Cheelo police station in Lusaka. Following the incident, he fled the scene.
The suspects, who were facing charges of assault, robbery, and burglary, are now on the run. A manhunt is underway to recapture them.
Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga stated that Phiri, “in a state of intoxication, forcibly seized the cell keys” from constable Serah Banda and unlocked both the male and female cells. He then instructed the detainees to leave, declaring they were “free to cross over into the new year.”
Of the 15 detainees in custody, 13 escaped. Phiri himself has not yet responded to the allegations.
The incident has drawn widespread attention, with former presidential spokesperson and lawyer Dickson Jere commenting on social media: “I can’t help but laugh picturing the scenario – comical! But then, it reminded me of a similar case in 1997.”
Jere referred to a controversial event when the late High Court Judge Kabazo Chanda ordered the release of 53 suspects on New Year’s Eve in 1997. Some of these individuals were considered dangerous, but Judge Chanda justified his decision by citing the lengthy detentions, some dating back to 1992. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” he had declared.
