By Kolawole Ojebisi
An apparently drunk policeman in Zambia, under the influence of Dutch courage, had set 13 suspects behind bars free to herald the New Year.
The officer, identified as Titus Phiri, was the team leader of the Leonard Cheelo Police Post, a small station that held the suspects.
Phiri allegedly indulged in a drinking spree on Tuesday morning, and became inebriated, before staggering to his workplace and executing one of the most shocking displays of intoxicating clemency.
“Upon arrival at the inquiries desk, Phiri demanded the keys to the cells, threatening to lock up the female constable on duty who had initially resisted his orders,” the Zambian Observer reported.
“With keys in hand, Phiri dramatically flung open the doors of the filthy and foul-stenched cells, proclaiming freedom for all the inmates.”
The detective reportedly urged the freed suspects to “walk, not run” after being concerned they could trip and fall as they ran out in excitement.
Of the released 15, two turned down the offer and remained in jail. Swollen with pride, Phiri sauntered off to continue his revelry while his colleagues launched a manhunt for the suspects.
The Zambian Observer reported that the detective turned himself in on Wednesday after seeing his brazen act reported on social media and verified by several news platforms.
Quoting sources, the newspaper reported that Phiri’s actions were inspired by President Hakainde Hichilema’s Christmas Day pardon of 759 inmates.
