A police officer in Zambia has been arrested for allegedly releasing more than a dozen prisoners to allow them to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
Detective Inspector Titus Phiri reportedly took the cell keys by force on Tuesday morning while intoxicated, according to a press release from Zambia’s Police Service.
Phiri then unlocked both the male and female cells and told the prisoners they were free to leave and ring in the New Year.
A manhunt is currently underway for 13 of the detainees who remain at large. Some of these individuals had been facing charges such as assault and theft, the police statement noted.
The Zambia Police Service emphasized its commitment to maintaining law and order, vowing to take strong action against any officer who abuses their power or violates the law.
