The Mauritian government has introduced tougher penalties for road rage, with fines ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 100,000 and up to 12 months in prison. Transport Minister Osman Mahomed described the behavior as "scandalous" and emphasized that the new rules are aimed at promoting road safety. The amendments to the Road Traffic Act, which came into effect on September 30, 2026, also include stricter penalties for unlicensed driving and modified exhausts.
In addition to road rage, the new rules also target unlicensed driving, which can now result in a fine of up to Rs 1 million. Modified exhausts will attract a flat fine of Rs 10,000, without the need for decibel readings. The government also launched a digital driving license and online fine payments as part of its efforts to modernize the transport sector. The new rules are expected to have a significant impact on road safety in Mauritius.
A confession has been made in the Triolet strangling case, with the victim's son's wife, Khoosboo Mootia, admitting to a role in the killing. She told investigators that she had asked her lover, Satayama Tany, also known as Pritam, to kill her mother-in-law, Saraswattee Mootia, due to her opposition to their relationship. Pritam is the victim's own brother, and the case is now being further investigated.
Mauritius has seen a significant increase in import prices, with the import price index rising by 20% in the second quarter. The trade deficit has also widened, and the Statistics Mauritius reports that the increase in import costs is likely to affect household budgets. The weaker rupee has contributed to the rise in import prices, making it more expensive for the island nation to import goods.
A scaffolding collapse at a temple in Upper Dagotière has resulted in one death and one injury. Emergency services were called to the scene, but were unable to save the victim. An inquiry has been opened into the cause of the collapse, and the injured person is being treated in hospital. The incident has raised concerns about construction safety in Mauritius.
The price of fuel has increased in Mauritius, with petrol now selling at Rs 77.70 and diesel at Rs 78.35. The government has reduced fuel taxes, but this has meant that free travel for students and seniors will have to be scrapped, and staples like ration rice and cooking gas may become more expensive. The government has emphasized that relief is never free and that the costs will have to be passed on to consumers.
In other news, a statutory probe has been opened into the case of a 13-year-old girl who gave birth, and police are investigating allegations of sex with a minor. A synthetic drug arrest has been made in Quatre-Bornes, and the Privy Council will hear a tax dispute case involving a Freeport developer. The digital driving license has been launched in a transition phase, and former PM Pravind Jugnauth has refused to cooperate with a wiretap probe.
Key points
- The new road rage penalties in Mauritius include fines of up to Rs 100,000 and a year in prison.
- The import price index in Mauritius has risen by 20% in the second quarter.
- A scaffolding collapse at a temple in Upper Dagotière has resulted in one death and one injury.
