Zambian authorities are searching for 13 escaped inmates after a police detective, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, unlocked their jail cells on New Year’s Eve and told them they were free to leave.
According to police reports, the officer forcibly took the cell keys from a colleague and opened both male and female cells at a Lusaka police station, encouraging the inmates to “cross over into the New Year.” Of the 15 suspects in custody at the time, all but two fled.
The escaped individuals face charges for serious crimes, including assault, theft, and burglary. Police spokesman Rae Hamoonga warned that their continued freedom poses a significant risk to public safety.
The detective responsible for the jailbreak fled the scene but was arrested shortly afterward. Efforts to apprehend the fugitives are ongoing.