A strange incident occurred in Lusaka, Zambia, when a police officer, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, released 13 detainees from custody on New Year’s Eve, prompting a manhunt for the escapees.
Reports by the BBC indicate that Inspector Titus Phiri seized the keys to the detention cells from Constable Serah Banda at the Leonard Cheelo police station.
Phiri, reportedly intoxicated, unlocked both the male and female cells, instructing the detainees to leave and telling them they were “free to cross over into the new year.”
Out of the 15 detainees in custody for crimes including robbery, assault, and burglary, 13 managed to escape. Phiri fled the scene following the incident, and a police spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga, confirmed the details in a statement. “In a state of intoxication, Phiri forcibly seized cell keys and released the suspects,” Hamoonga said.
The Zambia Police Service assured the public that strict action would be taken against any officer found guilty of misconduct, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining law and order.
As of now, Phiri has not responded to the accusations, and authorities are continuing their efforts to locate both the escaped detainees and the officer involved.
