'Drunk' police officer arrested after allegedly releasing prisoners to celebrate New Year's Eve in Zambia

A Zambian police officer has been arrested for allegedly releasing over a dozen prisoners to celebrate the New Year. According to a press release from the Zambian Police on Wednesday, Detective Inspector Titus Phiri "forcibly grabbed the cell keys while in a drunken state" on Tuesday morning.

The police statement noted, "(Phiri) then proceeded to open the male and female cells and instructed the suspects to leave, claiming they were free to cross into the New Year." This incident has sparked widespread public concern and raised questions about the police's management.

The police statement also stated that a manhunt has been launched for the 13 detainees who are still at large. It is understood that these individuals were previously facing multiple criminal charges, including assault and theft. The police are making every effort to apprehend the escapees in order to maintain social order.

The statement concluded by emphasizing, "The Zambia Police Service reiterates its commitment to upholding law and order and assures the public that decisive action will be taken against any officer found abusing their authority or violating the law." This demonstrates the police's zero-tolerance policy towards such incidents.