Lusaka - A drunken policeman released 13 prisoners on New Year's Eve and then ran away himself.

This incident took place in Lusaka, the capital of the African country of Zambia , as the British broadcaster BBC reported on Thursday.

A police spokesman explained that the befuddled officer unlocked the cells and told the detainees that they could go free into the new year.

13 prisoners did not miss the opportunity and have been on the run ever since. Among them were violent criminals and thieves.

A manhunt has been launched, but none of the fugitives have yet been caught.

Only the police officer responsible has already been apprehended and arrested. He has not yet commented on his actions.