A drunken police officer in Zambia reportedly decided to liberate 13 suspects from custody to let them ring in the new year with freedom, according to officials.
Detective Inspector Titus Phiri found himself in hot water after setting the suspects free from the Leonard Cheelo police station in Lusaka, the capital city, before making a hasty retreat himself.
The 13 individuals in question were facing allegations ranging from assault to robbery and burglary.
As of now, all 13 detainees are on the lam, prompting authorities to launch a manhunt in order to apprehend them.
Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga disclosed that Mr. Phiri, while in an intoxicated state, forcibly took custody keys from Constable Serah Banda on the night of New Year’s Eve.
“Subsequently, Detective Inspector Phiri proceeded to unlock both the male and female cells, instructing the suspects to depart, declaring that they were free to step into the new year,” stated Hamoonga.
“Of the total 15 suspects in detention, 13 managed to flee. The officer absconded from the scene following the incident.”
As of now, Mr. Phiri has refrained from making any statements regarding the accusations leveled against him.
Reacting to the shocking incident, former presidential spokesperson and lawyer Dickson Jere took to Facebook to share his amusement: “I can’t help but chuckle when I imagine the situation – quite comical! However, it brings to mind a similar occurrence back in 1997.”
On New Year’s Eve in 1997, the late and controversial High Court Judge Kabazo Chanda ordered the release of 53 suspects, with some among them deemed as dangerous by law enforcement.
Mr. Chanda was incensed by the fact that some of the suspects had been in police custody since as far back as 1992 without having faced trial.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” proclaimed Mr. Chanda.
In other news, an ‘extraordinary’ Zambian musician met his untimely demise following a New Year’s Eve car crash, stirring sadness across the nation.
Additionally, suspected ‘witchdoctors’ were nabbed for an alleged plot to ‘bewitch’ Zambia’s president, causing a stir in the community.
Zambia’s decision to make education free has resulted in overcrowded classrooms, highlighting the challenges facing the educational system in the country.
Furthermore, a grandmother sporting fashionable chunky sunglasses has unexpectedly become a style icon, capturing the attention of many.
Lastly, an actor breaking a taboo in Zambian society by seeking help for his drug-addicted son has sparked discussions around addiction and mental health.
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