In a remarkable incident, Detective Inspector Titus Phiri of the Lusaka Police Station has created a stir after allegedly freeing 13 detainees accused of serious crimes, including robbery and burglary.
Drunken Zambian Officer Releases 13 Suspects to Celebrate New Year
Drunken Zambian Officer Releases 13 Suspects to Celebrate New Year
An inebriated police officer in Zambia has been detained after releasing 13 suspects on New Year's Eve so they could join in the festivities, sparking a manhunt for the escapees.
Following his actions on New Year’s Eve, police are now on a mission to recapture the suspects.
On that fateful night, police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga detailed the events, explaining that Phiri "in a state of intoxication, forcibly seized cell keys" from a fellow officer and liberally opened both male and female detention cells. He ordered the detainees, 15 in total, to leave, encouraging them to "cross over into the new year." As a result, 13 suspects made their escape, while Inspector Phiri vanished from the scene.
Current efforts are underway to locate the individuals who escaped, with a manhunt being organized by Zambian authorities. As of now, Phiri has not publicly addressed the allegations against him.
The incident drew ironic humor from former presidential spokesperson and lawyer Dickson Jere, who shared his thoughts on Facebook, reminiscing about a similar situation from 1997. In that instance, High Court Judge Kabazo Chanda had controversially granted freedom to 53 suspects, expressing concerns over delayed justice for those who had not yet appeared in court since their arrests.
This new situation has raised eyebrows and added to a historical curiosity regarding justice and policing in Zambia, bringing to light the intriguing balance between law enforcement and the holiday celebrations.
On that fateful night, police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga detailed the events, explaining that Phiri "in a state of intoxication, forcibly seized cell keys" from a fellow officer and liberally opened both male and female detention cells. He ordered the detainees, 15 in total, to leave, encouraging them to "cross over into the new year." As a result, 13 suspects made their escape, while Inspector Phiri vanished from the scene.
Current efforts are underway to locate the individuals who escaped, with a manhunt being organized by Zambian authorities. As of now, Phiri has not publicly addressed the allegations against him.
The incident drew ironic humor from former presidential spokesperson and lawyer Dickson Jere, who shared his thoughts on Facebook, reminiscing about a similar situation from 1997. In that instance, High Court Judge Kabazo Chanda had controversially granted freedom to 53 suspects, expressing concerns over delayed justice for those who had not yet appeared in court since their arrests.
This new situation has raised eyebrows and added to a historical curiosity regarding justice and policing in Zambia, bringing to light the intriguing balance between law enforcement and the holiday celebrations.
