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Drunk Police Officer Frees 13 Suspects to Celebrate New Year

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A police officer, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, releases 13 detainees from custody to mark the New Year, raising concerns over security practices and accountability.

According to officials, a police officer in Zambia allegedly released 13 detainees from custody while under the influence of alcohol so they could celebrate New Year’s Eve.

According to a BBC report, Detective Inspector Titus Phiri from Leonard Cheelo police station in Lusaka allegedly unlocked the cells and released the suspects before escaping himself.

The suspects, charged with robbery, burglary, and assault, are still at large, triggering a manhunt.

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Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga provided details of the incident, explaining that Phiri, “while intoxicated, forcefully took cell keys” from a colleague, Constable Serah Banda, on New Year’s Eve.

Detective Inspector Phiri then unlocked the male and female cells, telling the suspects they were free to enter the new year. “Out of 15 suspects in custody, 13 managed to escape,” Hamoonga reported. Afterward, the officer left the scene.

Phiri has not yet addressed the allegations.

Dickson Jere, a former presidential spokesperson and lawyer, remarked that the incident was both humorous and reminiscent of a similar case from 1997.

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“I can’t help but laugh every time I imagine the scene—it’s hilarious! However, it also reminds me of a similar incident from 1997,” Jere shared on Facebook.

He mentioned the late High Court Judge Kabazo Chanda, who ordered the release of 53 suspects due to their prolonged detention on New Year’s Eve in 1997.

Judge Chanda expressed frustration by stating, “Justice delayed is justice denied,” in reference to the suspects who have been held without trial since 1992.

Authorities are still working to find the escaped suspects and address the situation concerning Detective Inspector Phiri.

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