Drunk police officer arrested for freeing prisoners to celebrate New year’s eve
What you need to know:
- According to the police report, Inspector Phiri, in an inebriated state, forcibly took the keys from Constable Serah Banda and opened the cells housing both male and female detainees.
A Zambian police officer has been apprehended for allegedly releasing over a dozen prisoners to allow them to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
Detective Inspector Titus Phiri is reported to have seized the keys to the cells while under the influence of alcohol and subsequently freed the detainees in the early hours of Tuesday morning, according to a statement issued by the Zambia Police Service.
The incident occurred at Leonard Cheelo Police Station in Lusaka, the nation’s capital.
According to the police report, Inspector Phiri, in an inebriated state, forcibly took the keys from Constable Serah Banda and opened the cells housing both male and female detainees.
He purportedly declared that they were free to "cross over into the New Year."
Of the 15 prisoners held in custody, 13 managed to escape. Among the fugitives were individuals facing serious charges, including assault, robbery, and burglary.
Authorities have since launched a manhunt to recapture the escapees.
After releasing the detainees, Detective Inspector Phiri reportedly fled the scene.
He was later apprehended but has not made any public statements regarding the incident.
The Zambia Police Service has strongly condemned the officer’s actions, reaffirming their dedication to upholding law and order.
"Decisive action will be taken against any officer found abusing their authority or acting contrary to the law," the statement read.
The incident has elicited mixed reactions from the public, with some drawing parallels to similar occurrences in the past.
Lawyer and former presidential spokesperson Dickson Jere remarked on social media, describing the situation as "comical," though he later referenced a comparable episode from 1997.
In that earlier case, the late High Court Judge Kabazo Chanda ordered the release of 53 detainees, some deemed dangerous, after it was revealed they had been held without trial since 1992.
"Justice delayed is justice denied," Judge Chanda had famously declared.
As the authorities intensify efforts to recapture the fugitives, the public eagerly awaits further updates on the curious case of Detective Inspector Phiri and his unorthodox New Year’s Eve gesture.
