A police sergeant in Mauritius has testified before the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) that he witnessed a fellow officer aiming a firearm at a vehicle before a 27-year-old woman was shot. Sergeant Ramuth made the statement on Monday, 26 October, as part of the ongoing investigation into the shooting of Elodie Thomas. The incident occurred on 9 October, when Ms Thomas was wounded by a bullet while returning home from work.
According to Sergeant Ramuth's testimony, he was stationed at a roadblock in the locality on the night of the incident, alongside two colleagues and two teams from the Special Mobile Force (SMF). He claimed that he approached the van driven by Rudy Soobrayen and informed him of prevailing tensions in the area, warning him that continuing his journey would be at his own risk. Sergeant Ramuth then noticed individuals attempting to set fire to a nearby wasteland and moved to investigate.
Sergeant Ramuth stated that as he turned around, he saw his colleague, Sergeant Gowtamsing Taukoor, holding a firearm and positioned in a firing stance. He claimed that he immediately approached Sergeant Taukoor to ask what had occurred, but his colleague remained silent and offered no explanation. The IPCC inquiry continues to probe the exact circumstances surrounding how Ms Thomas sustained her gunshot wound.
Sergeant Ramuth also testified that he returned to the Camp-Levieux police station with his team and, as the shift supervisor, formally logged the events in the station's Diary Book. His testimony comes as part of the investigation into the actions of police officers on the night of the incident. Sergeant Ramuth, along with two colleagues, is suspected of failing to assist a person in danger.
The incident has raised concerns about police conduct and the use of firearms. Sergeant Gowtamsing Taukoor remains in custody and is scheduled to reappear before the Rose-Hill District Court on 30 October. He faces two provisional charges: "Using Firearm to Intimidate" and "Involuntary Wounds and Blows by Imprudence". The IPCC continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The case has garnered significant attention in Mauritius, with many questioning the actions of police officers on the night of the incident. The investigation is ongoing, and further testimony is expected. The IPCC's findings will likely have significant implications for the police force and the handling of similar incidents in the future.
The shooting of Elodie Thomas has sparked a wider conversation about police conduct and accountability in Mauritius. The case is expected to continue to unfold in the coming weeks, with many watching closely to see how the authorities handle the situation. Sergeant Ramuth's testimony is a significant development in the case, and it remains to be seen how the investigation will ultimately conclude.
Key points
- Sergeant Ramuth testified that he saw Sergeant Taukoor aiming a firearm before the 27-year-old woman was shot.
- The IPCC is investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting of Elodie Thomas.
- Sergeant Taukoor faces charges of "Using Firearm to Intimidate" and "Involuntary Wounds and Blows by Imprudence".
