A Zambian police officer reportedly under the influence of alcohol released 13 detainees to celebrate the New Year, sparking a manhunt for the escaped suspects.

The BBC reported that Inspector Titus Phiri allegedly took cell keys from Constable Serah Banda at Leonard Cheelo police station in Lusaka on New Year’s Eve, freeing individuals held for crimes including assault, robbery, and burglary.

Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga described the incident, stating, “In a state of intoxication, [Phiri] forcibly seized cell keys… unlocked both the male and female cells, and instructed the suspects to leave, stating they were free to cross over into the new year.”

Following the escape of 13 out of the 15 detainees, Phiri himself fled the station. The officer has yet to address the allegations.

This unusual incident drew parallels to a 1997 episode when the late High Court Judge Kabazo Chanda ordered the release of 53 detainees.

Judge Chanda criticized the prolonged detention of suspects, some held as far back as 1992, without trial. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” he declared at the time.

Reacting to the latest case, lawyer and former presidential spokesperson Dickson Jere commented on Facebook, “I keep laughing each time I picture the scenario – comical! But then, I remembered a similar incident in 1997.”