Detective’s Actions Spark Manhunt and Social Media Reactions

In what might have been a bizarre incident, a Zambia police officer released 13 suspects from custody on New Year’s Eve, apparently so they could also celebrate. The Detective Inspector identified as Titus Phiri from Leonard Cheelo police station in Lusaka was arrested just a few minutes after the incident but not before fleeing the scene himself.

According to police reports, the 13 getaways were held for a variety of charges from assault to robbery and burglary. Now a nationwide manhunt tries to catch them all. The unlikely incident drew criticism and created much humor among members of the public.

Officer’s Drunken Actions Lead to Chaos

Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga said Inspector Phiri was drunk at the time of committing the offence. “In a drunken state, he forcefully took the cell keys from Constable Serah Banda,” Mr. Hamoonga said. “He opened both male and female cells and told the suspects to go out, saying they were free to enter the new year.”

Of the 15 detainees held on the premises that night, 13 escaped. Mr. Phiri, having aided them in leaving, vanished from the station with colleagues who were stunned by the incident.

Manhunt Launched on Escapees

The perpetrators, ranging from serious crimes, are still on the run. A manhunt has been staged to track and arrest the prisoners. However, Inspector Phiri awaits trial into remand in custody.

While Mr. Phiri has yet to comment on the allegations, the incident has sparked outrage within the police force and raised questions about the handling of intoxicated officers on duty.

Historical Parallels: A Familiar Scenario?

The incident has also reminded some of one such incident in Zambian history. Lawyer and former presidential spokesperson Dickson Jere writes on his Facebook wall: “I cant help but laugh at the absurdity of it all.” “It reminds me of what happened in 1997.”

In that year, the late High Court Judge Kabazo Chanda discharged 53 suspects, some considered to be dangerous, because they had been detained without trial for several years. The Judge said, “Justice delayed is justice denied,” as he set free those arrested as far back as 1992.

While the 1997 incident came as the consequence of frustration after years of imprisonment, this accident seems more due to flawed discretion and recklessness of the involved police officer.
 
Public Reaction

The incident has attracted mixed feelings from the Zambians with many taking to social media to comment about the incident. While other felt it was a comedy film-like scene, other people expressed worry over the possible dangers the escapees could cause.

“How does an officer get so drunk on duty that he frees criminals?” one Facebook user asked. Another joked, “Maybe he thought he was hosting a party, not guarding suspects.”

Others were less amused, citing the severity of the crimes of those who had escaped. “This is no laughing matter. These are people accused of robbery and assault. What if they commit more crimes while on the run?” wrote another commenter.

Calls for Accountability

The incident has also brought into question the level of discipline and oversight within the police force. Many are calling for stricter measures to ensure that officers are fit for duty, especially during critical times like New Year’s Eve.

“This reflects poorly on the police service as a whole,” said a retired officer. “It’s not just about one individual’s actions; it’s about the systems in place to prevent such lapses.”

Next Steps

As the search for the escapees continues, authorities have assured the public that measures are being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The case of Inspector Phiri will likely serve as a cautionary tale for law enforcement officers nationwide.

For now, Zambians can only hope that the fugitives are recaptured as soon as possible and that justice is meted out on both the suspects and the officer whose actions led to this unplanned beginning of the new year.