In the euphoria and celebration of the New Year, a Zambian police officer reportedly under the influence of alcohol, released 13 detainees, sparking a manhunt for the escaped suspects.
According to reports, Inspector Titus Phiri allegedly took cell keys from Constable Serah Banda at Leonard Cheelo police station in Lusaka on the Eve of the New Year, freeing individuals held for various crimes including assault, robbery, and burglary.
Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga described 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.”
Following the escape of 13 out of the 15 detainees, Phiri himself fled the station. The officer has yet to address the allegations.
Reacting to the latest case, lawyer and former presidential spokesperson Dickson Jere commented on Facebook, “I keep laughing each time I picture the scenario – comical! But then, I remembered a similar incident in 1997.”
The 1997 episode was when the late High Court Judge Kabazo Chanda ordered the release of 53 detainees.
Judge Chanda criticized the prolonged detention of suspects, some held as far back as 1992, without trial. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” he declared at the time.
The PUNCH
