Police officer detained for releasing 15 suspects from Kanyama police custody (See list of escapees)

The Zambia Police Service has detained Detective Inspector, Titus Phiri, of Leonard Cheelo Police Post in Kanyama for allegedly aiding the escape of 13 suspects from lawful custody.

In a statement on Wednesday, Police Public Relations Officer, Rae Hamoonga, confirmed that Phiri, a team leader at Leonard Cheelo Police Post, was arrested for his actions on December 31, 2024, around 10:00 hours.

According to Hamoonga, Phiri, in an intoxicated state, forcibly took the cell keys from Woman Constable Serah Banda and unlocked both the male and female cells.

He then instructed the suspects to leave, saying they were free to cross into the New Year.

Out of the 15 suspects in custody, 13 escaped, including individuals charged with assault, burglary, theft, and other offenses.

The incident was reported at 14:30 hours by Chief Inspector Maiya, the officer in charge at the station.

Phiri fled the scene after the incident and remains at large.

The police have launched a manhunt to locate the escapees.

Read more:Police launch manhunt for six detainees who escaped from Mbabala police post

Hamoonga urged the public to report any information to the nearest police station.

The suspects on the run include:

1. Kennedy Musonda – Assault

2. Caredi Mumeka – Affray

3. Memory Tembo – Affray

4. Agness Mwaba – Assault

5. Maclean Shanaube – Assault, burglary, and theft

6. Lastone Ngosa – Assault

7. Fletcher Nkosani – Conduct likely to cause a breach of peace

8. Enock Banda – Obtaining goods by false pretenses

9. Memory Mpukuta – Theft

10. Jane Banda – Theft

11. Simon Phiri – Possession of psychotropic substances

12. David Sibalwi and

13. Kelvin Mwape – Charges not specified

Hamoonga emphasized the police’s commitment to upholding law and order, adding that intensified efforts are underway to bring the escapees and Phiri to justice.

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