A Zambian police officer is facing arrest and disciplinary action after reportedly freeing 13 detainees from custody on New Year’s Eve to allow them to celebrate the holiday.

Detective Inspector Titus Phiri, described as being “in a state of intoxication,” allegedly seized the cell keys from Constable Serah Banda at Leonard Cheelo Police Station in Lusaka.

According to police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga, Phiri unlocked the male and female cells, instructing the suspects to leave and “cross over into the new year.”

The suspects, who were being held for serious charges including assault, robbery, and burglary, are now on the run. A manhunt has been launched to apprehend the fugitives.

Of the 15 detainees in custody at the time, 13 escaped, while the officer himself fled the scene after releasing them.

The incident has sparked widespread reactions, with some drawing parallels to a similar occurrence in 1997.

Former presidential spokesperson and lawyer Dickson Jere commented on Facebook, calling the situation “comical” but recalling the time when the late Judge Kabazo Chanda ordered the release of 53 detainees, citing the injustice of their prolonged detention without trial.

Authorities have assured the public that they are taking the matter seriously, with investigations underway to locate the escaped suspects and hold Detective Phiri accountable.

Drunk Zambian policeman frees 13 suspects to celebrate New Year