Drunk Zambian guard opens cells on New Year's Eve, 13 inmates now on the run
Thirteen detainees are on the loose in Zambia after a drunken guard unlocked jail cells on New Year's Eve to celebrate, police said.
Detective Inspector Titus Phiri was in a "state of intoxication," police said in a statement when he "forcibly seized cell keys" from a fellow officer. He then proceeded to unlock male and female cells, "instructing suspects to leave, stating they were free to cross over into the New Year."
Of the 15 suspects in custody, 13, who were accused of assault, robbery, and burglary, escaped the Leonard Cheelo police station in Lusaka.
"The suspects remain fugitives," police spokesman Rae Hamoonga told AFP.
"Allowing them to remain at large may pose a significant risk to public safety," he added.
The police have also urged members of the public to come forward with any information that may assist them in locating the suspects.
Phiri also fled the scene but was arrested.
Zambia's former presidential spokesperson reacted to the incident on Facebook, writing, "I am still trying to digest the story of the Kanyama Police Officer named Titus Phiri who released 'criminals' from custody on New Year's Eve. He opened all the cells and released them in the wilderness so that they can join in crossover celebrations. I keep laughing each time I picture the scenario—comical."
He then recalled a similar incident that happened in 1997. The country's then-high court judge Kabazo Chanda released 53 suspects, who were deemed dangerous by the police. He said, "Justice delayed is justice denied."
