13 prisoners escape after drunk detective opened cells and told inmates they were free to go, Zambia police say

Thirteen suspected criminals are on the loose in Zambia after a tipsy detective unlocked jail cells on New Year’s Eve and told inmates they were free to go, police said Friday.

The detective “in a state of intoxication, forcibly seized cell keys” from Constable Serah Banda and “unlocked both the male and female cells and instructed the suspects to leave, stating they were free to cross over into the New Year”, a police statement said.

All but two of the 15 suspects in the jail at the time escaped when the cells were opened on the morning of December 31.

“The suspects remain fugitives,” police spokesman Rae Hamoonga told AFP Friday.

“Many of the suspects face charges for serious crimes, including assault, theft, and burglary. Allowing them to remain at large may pose a significant risk to public safety,” he said.

The detective fled the scene but was arrested soon afterwards.

“The Zambia Police Service has intensified efforts to locate and apprehend the escapees,” police said in a statement. “We urge members of the public with any information that may assist in locating the suspects to report to the nearest police station.”

As of Monday, police had not provided any update on the escaped inmates.