Zambian Detective Goes Rogue: Frees 13 Suspects in Drunken New Year’s Eve Stunt

—has become the talk of Zambia, exposing glaring weaknesses in law enforcement while drawing comparisons to a notorious incident from decades past.

A Bizarre New Year’s Eve

Phiri, reportedly intoxicated, stormed into the police station, grabbed the cell keys from a colleague, and unlocked the cells. The suspects, held on charges ranging from assault to robbery and burglary, were given an unlikely New Year’s gift: freedom. His instructions? “Go celebrate.”

After the brazen act, Phiri fled the scene, leaving his colleagues stunned. Authorities later arrested the rogue detective, and a manhunt is now underway to recapture the escapees.

Unanswered Questions

Phiri’s reckless actions have left the public and officials alike scratching their heads. Key questions demand answers:

1. How did a drunken officer even get to work?
   Was there no system to detect or prevent an intoxicated officer from showing up for duty?

2. Why did he have access to the cell keys?
   The ease with which Phiri obtained the keys raises serious concerns about internal controls at the station.

3. What were the other officers doing?
   How could Phiri act so freely without intervention from colleagues on duty?

History Repeats Itself?

The incident has drawn parallels to a 1997 case, where the late High Court Judge Kabazo Chanda released 53 long-detained suspects without trial, some of whom police considered dangerous. His ruling, based on the legal maxim “justice delayed is justice denied,” sparked national debate.

Former presidential spokesperson and lawyer Dickson Jere reflected on the similarities, posting on Facebook:
“I keep laughing each time I picture the scenario—comical! But then, I remembered a similar incident in 1997.”

However, unlike the 1997 case, Phiri’s drunken debacle lacked any semblance of legal or moral justification, reducing it to a farcical yet troubling spectacle.

Public Reaction

The public has responded with a mix of laughter and frustration. On social media, some joked about Phiri throwing Zambia’s “wildest New Year’s Eve party,” while others expressed dismay over the lack of professionalism in the police force.

A Wake-Up Call for Reform

Phiri’s actions highlight deep-seated issues within Zambia’s law enforcement. From poor oversight to lax security protocols, the incident underscores the urgent need for reforms to prevent similar embarrassments.

As authorities work to recapture the escaped suspects, Zambians are left reflecting on the absurdity of a moment that’s both comical and deeply concerning. The nation waits for answers, but one thing is certain: the cracks in the system are now impossible to ignore.