‘It’s been a year, release them’, say relatives of Fakhoo murder suspects

The families of ten suspects arrested in the investigation into the murder of Manan Fakhoo, a controversial henchman said to be close to the MSM ruling party, have reiterated calls for their release.

The suspects, between 18 and 30 years old, have been in custody for more than a year – and have not been subject to any formal trial.

Social activist Raouf Khodabaccus, surrounded by relatives of the suspects, claimed the delay in police investigation “reflected the lack of evidence against them.”

Police had claimed they were not being released “because the investigation was still on” and “for their own security”.

The detention of the suspects since Fakhoo, a convicted criminal, was shot dead outside his house on January 20, is said to have been marred with several “disturbing elements”.

Several reconstruction of events into Fakhoo’s murder, in the outskirts of Port Louis, have reportedly taken place “in a tense atmosphere”.

Witnesses had told Defi Media back then armed police officers used tear gas. Relatives and lawyers also accused investigators of “manipulation, threats and intimidation to find a culprit at all costs.”

Three lawyers filed complaints against the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) claiming they were refused access to their clients.

Police later refuted an article in Week-End, alleging that several suspects were “beaten up to confess the murder.” However, access to the suspects remained restricted.

Several media reports claimed that while all the suspects seemed to have alibis, they were nonetheless charged with ‘conspiracy’.

Fakhoo had marched, together with dozens of bullies, in front of Port Louis Court last year to support ex-MSM Minister Yogida Sawmynaden, while the latter was being heard into Mrs Kistnen’s alleged “fictitious employment”.

Two men, reportedly travelling on a motorcycle, fired twice at Fakoo, only days after he was allegedly linked to a wrangle in Grand Baie.