Mauritius records over 1,600 complaints against police, 142 cops suspended

Some 142 police officers are currently suspended over a wide range of alleged misconducts, according to PM Pravind Jugnauth’s written response to a parliamentary question.

From 01 December 2019 to 30 June 2022, 1,685 complaints were levelled against police officers before the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Of those suspended, one is a Superintendent of Police (SP), one Deputy Assistant Superintendent of Police (DASP) and one Chief Inspector (CI).

According to Police Regulation 28, a member of the disciplined force is suspended when his or her superiors “consider it to be in the public interest”, Defi Media reported. This is pending legal action or dismissal or early retirement.

In terms of complaints, these range from allegations of torture, death of suspects while being under police supervision, or use of violence or verbal abuse.

Some complaints also concerned refusal to record statements, delays in police investigations, searches without a warrant, damage during police operations, threats, abuse of authority or theft during searches.

From January 2015 to July 2022, fourteen people died while being in police custody.

Source: Defi Media