Drunk Policeman Frees 13 Suspects to Celebrate New Year

A New Year celebration in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, took an unexpected turn after a drunken police officer, Detective Inspector Titus Phiri, released 13 suspects from custody at the Leonard Cheelo Police Station. 

The suspects, arrested for crimes including assault, robbery, and burglary, remain at large as a manhunt is underway to recapture them.

Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga detailed the incident, stating, “Detective Inspector Titus Phiri, in a state of intoxication, forcibly seized the cell keys from Constable Serah Banda on New Year’s Eve. Subsequently, 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 revealed that 15 suspects were in custody at the time, but 13 managed to escape following the officer's actions. “After the incident, the officer fled the scene,” he added.

Detective Inspector Phiri was later arrested but has yet to comment on the allegations against him.

This event has drawn comparisons to a 1997 case where High Court Judge Kabazo Chanda ordered the release of 53 detainees, some considered dangerous, due to their prolonged detention without trial since 1992.

Authorities in Zambia have expressed concern over this latest incident, calling for stricter measures to ensure the professionalism of law enforcement officers, especially during sensitive periods like festive celebrations.