In a bizarre New Year’s Eve incident, a drunken police officer in Zambia unlocked jail cells, allowing 13 detainees to escape, according to authorities.
Detective Inspector Titus Phiri, reportedly intoxicated, seized the keys from a fellow officer at the Leonard Cheelo police station in Lusaka and released both male and female suspects. Phiri allegedly told the detainees they were free to “cross over into the New Year.”
Among the 15 suspects in custody, 13 fled the station. The escapees, accused of serious crimes including assault, robbery, and burglary, remain at large. Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga described the fugitives as a public safety concern and urged the community to provide any information on their whereabouts.
Phiri also fled the scene but has since been arrested.
The incident has drawn attention online, with Zambia’s former presidential spokesperson calling the scenario “comical” on Facebook, recalling a similar case in 1997 when 53 suspects were released by a high court judge.
Police are continuing their search for the escapees while investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
