A Zambian police officer, Detective Inspector Titus Phiri, has been arrested after allegedly releasing 13 suspects from custody on New Year’s Eve to allow them to join the celebrations.
The incident occurred at Leonard Cheelo Police Station in Lusaka, where Phiri, reportedly intoxicated, forcibly took the cell keys from Constable Serah Banda and instructed the suspects to leave.
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Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga explained, “In a state of intoxication, [Phiri] forcibly seized cell keys… 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 added, “Out of the 15 suspects in custody, 13 escaped. Following the incident, the officer fled the scene.”
The escaped detainees were being held on charges including assault, robbery, and burglary. A manhunt has been launched to recapture them.
This unusual incident echoes a similar case in 1997 when High Court Judge Kabazo Chanda ordered the release of 53 suspects, some considered dangerous, after they were detained for years without trial.
Phiri has since been apprehended but has not yet commented on the allegations against him.
