Detective Inspector Titus Phiri “forcibly seized cell keys” on Tuesday morning whilst “in a state of intoxication,” Zambia’s Police Service said in a press release on Wednesday.
“Subsequently, (Phiri) unlocked both the male and female cells and instructed the suspects to leave, stating they were free to cross over into the New Year,” the police statement said.
A manhunt has been launched for 13 detainees who remain at large, according to the police statement. Some had been facing allegations of assault and theft among other crimes, it said.
Police officer arrested after allegedly releasing prisoners to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Zambia | CNN