A police officer in Zambia has sparked outrage after allegedly unlocking the cells of 13 detainees on New Year’s Eve, allowing them to escape and ring in the new year. Detective Inspector Titus Phiri, believed to have been intoxicated at the time, reportedly took the keys to the cells from a fellow officer, Constable Serah Banda, at the Leonard Cheelo Police Station in Lusaka.
The detainees, who had been held on charges ranging from assault to robbery, were freed in the dead of night. They now remain on the run, with authorities scrambling to recapture them. The incident has sparked a mix of disbelief and criticism across the country.
A Drunken Decision
According to police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga, Detective Inspector Phiri’s actions were a clear violation of police protocol. “On the night of December 31st, 2024, Phiri, in an intoxicated state, took the keys from Constable Banda and ordered the detainees to leave their cells, telling them to ‘cross over into the new year,'” Hamoonga stated in a press release.
Sources suggest that Phiri had been drinking with some colleagues earlier in the evening, and the incident unfolded shortly before midnight. “He made it clear he was not sober when he ordered the release of the detainees,” an unnamed police insider revealed. “It was as if he was trying to ‘celebrate’ with them, which is both dangerous and unprofessional.”
Out of the 15 detainees being held at the station, 13 managed to escape, while two remained in custody. The prisoners had been incarcerated on serious charges, including assault, burglary, and robbery, and their escape has raised questions about the level of oversight at the police station.
The Detainees: Dangerous and On the Loose
The escapees are now on the run, with police issuing a manhunt to track them down. Authorities have expressed their concern about the escapees’ potential threat to public safety.
One of the escaped detainees, a man held on charges of armed robbery, is said to have been particularly dangerous. “This man had been involved in multiple violent crimes,” said a local law enforcement source. “His escape is a serious concern, and we’re doing everything possible to ensure he’s apprehended quickly.”
The other detainees who fled were facing charges ranging from assault to burglary, and police have not ruled out the possibility that they could engage in further criminal activity while on the run.
A Comical but Concerning Incident
The bizarre incident has sparked outrage on social media, with many Zambians expressing disbelief at the actions of an officer who was meant to uphold the law. Some have even drawn comparisons between this event and a similar episode in 1997, when a judge ordered the release of 53 detainees in protest of their prolonged detention without trial.
Former presidential spokesperson Dickson Jere took to Facebook to comment on the situation. “As comical as this sounds, it raises serious concerns about the state of law enforcement in Zambia,” he wrote. “While I don’t condone Phiri’s actions, it is worth remembering that similar things have happened in our history, often as a result of systemic issues within our justice system.”
The comparison to the 1997 event has sparked heated debates about the treatment of detainees in Zambia, with some pointing out that many inmates are often held for long periods without trial, a situation that Phiri may have been protesting through his actions.
Police Reaction and Investigation
Following the incident, Phiri has reportedly fled the scene and is now wanted for disciplinary action. Zambia’s police service has vowed to take swift action against the officer, with Hamoonga confirming that Phiri’s behavior was unacceptable.
“We take this matter seriously,” Hamoonga said in his statement. “The officer in question will be held accountable for his reckless actions, which have endangered public safety and tarnished the reputation of the Zambian police.”
The police spokesperson also confirmed that an investigation was underway to locate the escaped detainees and bring them back into custody. “We are doing everything we can to ensure that those who escaped are captured,” Hamoonga added.
The episode has prompted calls for stronger oversight of officers, particularly in relation to their behavior during major public holidays. Many have suggested that the officer’s actions highlight potential issues within the police force, including a lack of discipline and accountability.
The Bigger Picture: Challenges in Zambia’s Criminal Justice System
The release of detainees, intentional or not, brings into sharp focus the broader issues surrounding Zambia’s criminal justice system. Detainees, particularly those accused of serious crimes, often face long periods of detention before they are tried in court. This delay has sparked growing frustration within Zambian society, with some questioning whether the justice system is too slow to deliver fair outcomes.
“This situation highlights the flaws in the system,” said Dr. Chola Mutale, a political analyst. “While the actions of Phiri are undoubtedly inappropriate, they may be seen as a reaction to the frustration many feel about prolonged detentions without trial.”
However, some have criticized Phiri’s decision to take matters into his own hands, arguing that such actions could undermine the integrity of the police force and the rule of law. “The police should not be above the law,” said Lusaka-based human rights activist, Patricia Mwansa. “This behavior sets a dangerous precedent.”
What Lies Ahead for the Zambian Police?
As authorities move to locate the escaped detainees, the Zambian police force is likely to face significant public scrutiny in the coming weeks. The case has already sparked heated discussions about the professional standards of the police, as well as the broader state of law enforcement in Zambia.
