On New Year's Eve, a policeman opened the cells of all prisoners in custody in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia. The man wanted to give them the opportunity to celebrate the New Year. Almost all the prisoners escaped and a manhunt is underway. The policeman was arrested and was allegedly drunk during the incident.
An unusual event took place on New Year's Eve at one of the police stations in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia. Inspector Titus Phiri decided to release the prisoners in the local detention center so that they could take part in the New Year celebrations. As the BBC points out, the officer was under the influence of alcohol. Phiri forcibly took the keys from the policewoman who had them and started opening the cells. – Of the 15 inmates, 13 escaped – said local police spokesman Rae Hamoonga, quoted by the BBC.
A drunk policeman opened the lockup
According to information provided by Hamoong, the inmates were suspected of crimes such as assault, robbery and burglary. Their search continues. Titus Phiri himself also escaped from the police station after the cell was opened, but has already been arrested, reports the BBC. The case was also described on social media by former spokesman for the President of Zambia, lawyer and journalist Dickson Jere. “I'm still trying to digest it,” the man admitted, beginning his account. The journalist admitted that he “laughs every time he imagines it.”
“But then I remember that something similar has happened before,” referring to the decision of Zambian judge Kabazo Chandy, who on New Year's Eve 1997 freed 53 people awaiting trial. Chanda was embittered by the legal proceedings that had been going on for several years and decided to end them quickly. He later explained his actions by saying that “justice delayed is justice denied.” He was suspended.
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