By Esther Chisola
A Lusaka police officer who, in a drunken stupor, shocked the nation last December after he released 13 detainees from custody for them to celebrat the New Year’s eve, appeared before the Lusaka magistrate’s court yesterday.
Titus Phiri of the Leonard Cheelo Police Post in Lusaka appeared before Chief Resident Magistrate Davies Chibwili who allocated the matter to magistrate Army Masoja.
However, Phiri could not take a plea because the magistrate was not around.
The police officer is charged with one count of abuse of authority of office contrary to the Laws of Zambia.
Allegations are that on December 31, 2024 in Lusaka, Phiri being a police officer under the employment of the Zambia Police arbitrary abused his authority by releasing Kelvin Mwape, Kennedy Musonda, Jane Fletcher Nkosani, Laston Ngosa, Agness Mwaba, Maclean Shamaubi, Calledi Mumeka and David Sibalwa from lawful custody, an act prejudicial to the interest of the Zambia police service, a public body.
“At approximately 10:00 am, Inspector Phiri, reportedly inebriated, seized the cell keys from constable Serah Banda and unlocked both male and female cells, instructing the suspects to leave and “cross over into the New Year,” read the charge in part.
The escapees, facing charges which included assault, theft and burglary, remained at large, prompting a nationwide manhunt. Following the incident, Inspector Phiri fled the scene but was subsequently arrested.
As of January 15, 2025, three of the 13 escapees had been re-apprehended with the support of the local community and officers from Kanyama Police Station.
The search for the remaining fugitives continues, with authorities appealing to the public for assistance in their capture.Caption: itus Phiri, a police officer charged with abuse of authority made an appearance at Lusaka Magistrates’ Court yesterday. This is in a matter where he is accused accused of releasing 13 suspects from custody while intoxicated to allow them celebrate the New Year.
