A Zambian police officer reportedly freed 13 detainees from custody on New Year’s Eve so they could celebrate the holiday.
Detective Inspector Titus Phiri, described as being “in a state of intoxication,” allegedly seized the cell keys from Constable Serah Banda at Leonard Cheelo Police Station in Lusaka.
According to police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga, Phiri unlocked the male and female cells and instructed the suspects to leave and “cross over into the new year.”
Of the 15 detainees in custody at the time, 13 escaped, while the officer himself fled the scene after releasing them.
The suspects, who were being held for serious charges including assault, robbery, and burglary, are now on the run.
A manhunt has been launched to apprehend the escapees, while Detective Inspector Titus Phiri faces arrest and disciplinary action.
Authorities have assured the public that an investigation is underway to locate the escaped suspects and hold Detective Phiri accountable.
Dickson Jere, former presidential spokesperson and lawyer commented on Facebook, calling the situation “comical”.
He recalled the time when the late Judge Kabazo Chanda ordered the release of 53 detainees, citing the injustice of their prolonged detention without trial.
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