A 36-year-old man, identified as Jean François Veckranges, is currently being sought by Mauritian authorities on charges of "causing a child to be sexually abused." The case came to light on October 20, 2026, when the child's mother reported to the police that she had discovered a video on Facebook allegedly showing her daughter being sexually abused. The suspect is believed to have filmed the incident.
According to reports, the mother of the 6-year-old girl went to the Pope Hennessy police station at 10:05 PM on October 20, 2026, to report the incident. She stated that she had seen an anonymous post on Facebook claiming that her daughter had been sexually abused and identified Veckranges as the perpetrator. The police recorded her statement that night, and members of the Family Protection Brigade provided her with support and accompaniment.
Police from the sector and investigators from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) searched Veckranges' residence in Tranquebar, but he was not found. The search was extended to several areas, including Cassis, Bain-des-Dames, Pointe-aux-Sables, Marie-Reine-de-la-Paix, and Montagne-Signaux, as well as the homes of Veckranges' relatives in Grand-Baie, Grand-Gaube, and Curepipe. However, he remains at large.
The suspect is listed on the register of habitual criminals, and police are working to apprehend him. Authorities have alerted border control agencies to prevent Veckranges from leaving the country. His description was published in the Police Gazette on October 31, 2026, and a wanted notice was issued on November 6, 2026, appealing to the public for information that could lead to his capture.
In response to questions from parliamentarians, the acting Prime Minister stated that the police commissioner assured her that all efforts are being made to arrest Veckranges as soon as possible. The government has also requested that Meta remove the video from its platforms, which was subsequently taken down.
Additional questions were raised about the creation of a specialized hospital unit for child victims of sexual abuse, as recommended by the Ombudsperson for Children. The acting Prime Minister assured that arrangements are in place to protect these children and avoid transferring them between services during their care.
The police continue to seek the public's assistance in locating Veckranges and have intensified patrols in various areas. The case highlights the importance of vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and the community to prevent and address such heinous crimes.
Key points
- The suspect, Jean François Veckranges, 36, is accused of sexually abusing a 6-year-old girl and remains at large despite extensive searches.
