A video smuggled out of Beau-Bassin prison shows a detainee being beaten and threatened by fellow inmates. The footage, shot on a mobile phone, depicts the man pleading in Creole, "Mo pan fer nanie mwa," or "I did nothing," as he is assaulted. The prison administration has passed the case to the police, who have launched an investigation. The incident raises questions about how mobile phones are circulating within the prison.
The incident has sparked concerns about the security and accountability within the prison system. The video's existence and dissemination suggest a breach of prison security, highlighting the need for a thorough investigation. The authorities have not yet released any names or charges related to the incident. The inquiry's scope and outcome will be closely watched to determine the extent of any wrongdoing.
In a separate development, Mauritius' Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Kaviraj Sukon, has demanded a probe into a public university after its senior figure resigned. The inquiry centers on an arrangement where one person held directing roles at two public bodies simultaneously. The controversy has led to court cases and compensation payouts, with critics arguing that audit reports were not adequately addressed.
New Mauritius Hotels has reported a revenue of Rs 18.9 billion for the 2026 financial year, a 12% increase from the previous year. The tourism industry appears to be holding firm, with the group attributing its success to a strong performance across its hotels. The company's financial results serve as a gauge of the broader tourism economy, suggesting that visitor spending remains robust.
The Mauritian government has decided to standardize fees for Building and Land Use Permits across all local authorities, effective October 1. The move aims to simplify the process and eliminate discrepancies in permit costs, which previously varied depending on the council. The new standard fee will apply uniformly across the country.
Police are investigating a teacher suspected of assaulting a 10-year-old pupil. The child's family reported the incident, and the teacher has not been charged yet. The inquiry is ongoing, and the authorities have not released the teacher's name. The incident has raised concerns about school safety and the well-being of students.
In other news, two colleges, St Bartholomew's and Royal Holloway, will lose their state subsidies from January 2027. Mauritius is also courting investors in Africa, with Mauritius Finance conducting an investor roadshow in Egypt and Nigeria. Additionally, former minister Avinash Teeluck has become a lawyer, taking the oath at the bar along with 41 others.
Key points
- An investigation is underway into a video showing a detainee being beaten by fellow inmates at Beau-Bassin prison.
- Mauritius' Minister of Higher Education has demanded a probe into a public university amid controversy over a senior figure's resignation.
- New Mauritius Hotels has reported a 12% increase in revenue for the 2026 financial year, driven by a strong performance in the tourism industry.
