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Lusaka police officer, Titus Phiri, has been dragged to court for allegedly abusing his authority by releasing inmates to celebrate the New Year.
Detective Inspector Phiri, who served as Team Leader at Leonard Cheelo Police Post under Kanyama Police Station, appeared before the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court on charges of abuse of authority of office, contrary to Section 21(1)(a) and 41(a) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012.
According to the indictment, Phiri allegedly released eight detainees on December 31, 2024, without lawful justification.
Read more: Police re-arrest three escapees aided by officer on New Year’s Eve
The detainees included Kelvin Mwape, Kennedy Musonda, Jane Fletcher Nkhonsani, Laston Ngosa, Agness Mwaba, Maclean Shamaubi, Calledi Mumeka, and David Sibalwa. The act has been deemed prejudicial to the interests of the Zambia Police Service.
A statement from the Zambia Police Service alleged that Phiri, while intoxicated, forcibly seized cell keys from Constable Serah Banda before unlocking both male and female cells around 10:00 hours on New Year’s Eve.
He then reportedly told the suspects they were “free to cross over into the New Year.”
The incident was reported at 14:30 hours by Chief Inspector Maiya, the Officer-in-Charge at Leonard Cheelo Police Post.
Phiri, who is out on bail, is expected to take his plea on Friday before Lusaka Magistrate Amy Masoja.
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