In a bewildering New Year’s Eve incident, Detective Inspector Titus Phiri of the Lusaka police has been suspended after allegedly releasing 13 suspects, who were held for serious crimes, to allow them to celebrate the new year. The actions sparked a manhunt as these suspects remain at large.
Drunk Officer Releases Suspects to Welcome New Year Celebrations in Zambia
Drunk Officer Releases Suspects to Welcome New Year Celebrations in Zambia
A Zambian police officer has sparked outrage after allowing 13 detainees to go free on New Year's Eve, citing a desire to celebrate.
Following a night of celebrations in Lusaka, Inspector Phiri reportedly seized keys from a fellow officer and unlocked the cells at Leonard Cheelo police station, asserting that the individuals were free to leave. This led to a mixture of reactions from the public and reflections on past judicial decisions in Zambia, especially a notable case from 1997.
On December 31, Detective Inspector Titus Phiri took measures that have caught significant attention when he allegedly freed 13 suspects from custodial detention at the Leonard Cheelo police station in Lusaka. Reports claim that Phiri, inebriated, forcefully obtained the cell keys and ordered all the detainees to depart, implying they were free to ring in the new year without facing any repercussions for their pending charges, which varied from robbery to assault.
While the police are now engaged in a hunt for the escaped individuals, Phiri has seemingly evaded immediate accountability for the incident and has yet to publicly address the claims made against him. Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga confirmed the situation during a press briefing and expressed concern over the implications of allowing prisoners to leave their cells without any due process.
The reaction from the public has been mixed; while some find humor in the bizarre circumstances, others are alarmed at the gravity of the events. Former presidential spokesperson Dickson Jere took to social media, stating that the situation was comical upon first glance but soon recalled a reminiscent incident from 1997 when a high-ranking official released a group of detainees deemed dangerous.
This brings to light ongoing frustrations related to the Zambian justice system and its handling of prisoners, reflecting on the broader implications of law enforcement's conduct in the nation. Bobbing between laughter and a deep concern for public safety, the community now grapples with the after-effects of this unusual celebration.
On December 31, Detective Inspector Titus Phiri took measures that have caught significant attention when he allegedly freed 13 suspects from custodial detention at the Leonard Cheelo police station in Lusaka. Reports claim that Phiri, inebriated, forcefully obtained the cell keys and ordered all the detainees to depart, implying they were free to ring in the new year without facing any repercussions for their pending charges, which varied from robbery to assault.
While the police are now engaged in a hunt for the escaped individuals, Phiri has seemingly evaded immediate accountability for the incident and has yet to publicly address the claims made against him. Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga confirmed the situation during a press briefing and expressed concern over the implications of allowing prisoners to leave their cells without any due process.
The reaction from the public has been mixed; while some find humor in the bizarre circumstances, others are alarmed at the gravity of the events. Former presidential spokesperson Dickson Jere took to social media, stating that the situation was comical upon first glance but soon recalled a reminiscent incident from 1997 when a high-ranking official released a group of detainees deemed dangerous.
This brings to light ongoing frustrations related to the Zambian justice system and its handling of prisoners, reflecting on the broader implications of law enforcement's conduct in the nation. Bobbing between laughter and a deep concern for public safety, the community now grapples with the after-effects of this unusual celebration.
