In a story that has captivated Zambia and sparked global interest, a police officer is under arrest for allegedly setting 13 detainees free in a bizarre New Year’s Eve incident. Detective Inspector Titus Phiri, the Team Leader at Leonard Cheelo Police Post in Kanyama, reportedly unlocked the cells while intoxicated, declaring the prisoners “free to cross over into the New Year.”
The Incident: A Drunken Act of Freedom
The Zambia Police Service confirmed in a press release that the incident occurred on December 31, 2024, at approximately 10:00 a.m. Detective Inspector Phiri, in a state of intoxication, forcibly seized cell keys from Woman Constable Serah Banda and proceeded to unlock both male and female cells. Out of the 15 detainees in custody, 13 managed to escape.
The escapees, whose charges range from theft to assault and even drug possession, remain at large. The officer fled the scene shortly after the incident, disappearing into a nearby compound.
The Escaped Suspects
The Zambia Police Service released the names of the escapees, including individuals facing serious allegations such as:
1. Kennedy Musonda – Assault (GBV)
2. Maclean Shanaube – Assault, burglary, and theft
3. Simon Phiri – Possession of psychotropic substances
4. Agness Mwaba – Assault (GBV)
Others on the list were facing charges of affray, theft, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
Discovery and Response
Chief Inspector Maiya, Officer-In-Charge at Leonard Cheelo Police Post, reported the incident at 2:30 p.m., prompting a swift response from authorities. A manhunt has since been launched to recapture the escapees. The police have urged members of the public to provide any information that may assist in their apprehension.
Public Reaction: Humor Meets Concern
The incident has drawn mixed reactions from the public. While some see the officer’s actions as reckless and endangering public safety, others have found humor in the surreal nature of the event, dubbing it the “New Year’s Prison Break.” Social media users joked that Detective Inspector Phiri was “playing Santa” by gifting prisoners a fresh start to the year.
However, concerns remain about the security and integrity of the justice system. Victims of the crimes committed by the escapees have expressed fears over their safety, demanding swift action to restore order.
Police Assurances
In their statement, the Zambia Police Service reiterated their commitment to upholding law and order. They emphasized that decisive action would be taken against Detective Phiri and any other officers found guilty of abusing their authority.
A Sobering Reminder
While the incident might initially appear comedic, it underscores critical issues within the system, such as officer accountability and the potential for abuse of authority. For Detective Inspector Titus Phiri, a drunken decision to “ring in the New Year” with freedom for prisoners has resulted in serious legal consequences.
The hunt for the 13 escapees continues as the New Year unfolds, leaving Zambians to grapple with the question: how did it get to this point, and what comes next?
