A report said detective inspector Titus Phiri was arrested after releasing the suspects from Leonard Cheelo police station in the capital, Lusaka, before running away himself.

The 13 detainees  accused of crimes such as assault, robbery and burglary, a re all currently on the run and a manhunt has been launched to find them.

Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga said that Phiri, in a state of intoxication, forcibly seized cell keys from constable Serah Banda on New Year’s Eve.

Phiri has not yet commented on the allegations.