A corruption complaint has been filed against an assistant commissioner of police in Mauritius with the Financial Crimes Commission. The complaint alleges that the officer was involved in a fuel scam, where he instructed two officers to fill police diesel vehicles with 120 liters of fuel, but only 90 liters were actually pumped into the tanks. The remaining 30 liters were allegedly diverted into jerrycans for the officer's personal use.
The complaint also makes several other allegations against the assistant commissioner. These include allowing an officer to wash his car in exchange for the rest of the day off and permitting officers to claim paid extra duty for work done on the clock. Additionally, the complaint accuses the officer of using police cars for private trips while already drawing a transport allowance. The Financial Crimes Commission will conduct a preliminary inquiry to determine whether there is enough evidence to open a formal case.
In a separate case, the Intermediate Court of Mauritius has handed down sentences to 12 individuals who breached the curfew imposed during October's unrest. Four people were sentenced to four months in prison, seven were acquitted, and one was fined Rs 5,000. The court heard that the accused were stopped by police in various locations, including Port Louis, Bambous, Tamarin, Rose-Hill, and Pointe-aux-Sables.
The Mauritian Cabinet has also made several decisions in recent days. The government has put on hold the festive season night markets, including the popular one on rue Desforges in Port Louis. An interministerial committee, led by Local Government minister Ranjiv Woochit, will hear traders' concerns and report back to the Cabinet. This decision comes after Labour MP Juman had announced dates for the markets, which were a hit last year.
The Cabinet has also made several appointments, including the nomination of Dr Dev Rajan Daliah as the general manager of the National Transport Corporation, the state bus operator. This appointment is one of three cleared by the Cabinet. The new general manager will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the corporation, which provides an essential service to commuters.
A family from Baie-du-Tombeau has reported feeling threatened by armed bouncers in their neighborhood. The family claims that the bouncers are waiting to harm them and have turned the estate into a place where they no longer feel safe to live. This account follows videos of violence and force in the area, highlighting the residents' concerns about their safety.
In other news, police have arrested two men, aged 19 and 21, over the alleged sexual abuse of an 11-year-old girl. A suspect, Imtiyaz Chady, 35, has also been charged with the fatal assault on Selven Iyempermal in Vacoas. Additionally, thousands of people marched on Port Louis to protest living costs, water shortages, and working conditions.
Key points
- A corruption complaint has been filed against an assistant commissioner of police in Mauritius over a fuel scam and other allegations.
- The Intermediate Court of Mauritius has sentenced 12 individuals for breaching the curfew imposed during October's unrest.
- The Mauritian Cabinet has put on hold the festive season night markets and made several appointments, including the nomination of a new general manager for the National Transport Corporation.
