A Zambian police officer, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, released 13 detainees on New Year’s Eve to mark the celebration, sparking a manhunt for the escapees.
According to the BBC, Inspector Titus Phiri allegedly took cell keys from Constable Serah Banda at Leonard Cheelo Police Station in Lusaka before freeing individuals held for crimes such as assault, robbery, and burglary.
Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga narrated the incident, stating, “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.”
Thirteen of the 15 detainees escaped following the release, while Phiri himself fled the station.
The officer has yet to respond to the allegations.
This unusual incident brings back memories of a similar episode in 1997 when the late High Court Judge Kabazo Chanda ordered the release of 53 detainees.
Judge Chanda had criticized the prolonged detention of suspects, some of whom had been held since 1992, without trial.
At the time, he famously declared, “Justice delayed is justice denied.”
Reacting to the recent development, lawyer and former presidential spokesperson Dickson Jere shared his thoughts on Facebook, writing, “I keep laughing each time I picture the scenario – comical! But then, I remembered a similar incident in 1997.”
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