447 New Officers Join Elite National Crimes Agency Initiative

In a significant announcement during the Passing Out Parade of the police held on Thursday 10th April in Vacoas, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam revealed that his government is in the process of establishing a National Crimes Agency, envisioned as an elite institution. This agency will comprise experts and investigators recruited from abroad, including specialists in financial investigations and other white-collar crimes.

“Its first director may not necessarily be a Mauritian. However, I hope that in the future, we can appoint a highly qualified Mauritian to lead it,” the PM stated.

Ramgoolam emphasised that the National Crimes Agency will provide talented police officers with the opportunity to collaborate with foreign experts.

“I aim to foster a sense of unity that will cultivate its own identity. This entails the application of the highest standards of professionalism in significant investigations,” he asserted.

Seizing the moment, he condemned the previous regime, which he claimed relied on “Yes Men to act and exert absolute control over everything.”

He reiterated, “We have witnessed a deliberate attempt to undermine the credibility and independence of our constitutional institutions.”

The Prime Minister also addressed the conflict between former Police Commissioner Anil Kumar Dip and the Director of Public Prosecutions, Me Rashid Ahmine.

“Two individuals holding two prominent constitutional positions were at odds. It is essential that they collaborate for the benefit of the citizens,” he explained.

Consequently, the government is set to amend the Bail Act in March to clarify the powers assigned to these two institutions.

“We needed to put an end to this ridiculous situation,” the Prime Minister affirmed.

Ramgoolam expressed his desire to restore trust in institutions following a decade under the previous regime.

“I want the police to regain respect and their noble standing,” he declared emphatically, before indicating that one of his priorities will be to restore order in the country.

He warned “any disruptive elements who might think themselves above the law while targeting innocent citizens.”

In this context, Ramgoolam alluded to the troubling saga of drug planting against political opponents. “I will not tolerate such actions. Those responsible will face severe punishment,” he stated.

He cautioned anyone attempting to obstruct ongoing investigations, reiterating, “I urge them to think twice, for they will bear the full weight of the law.”

The Prime Minister also highlighted the scourge of drugs wreaking havoc in society. “We will be uncompromising towards drug barons,” he asserted.

He mentioned the first reading of the National Drugs Agency bill in Parliament on Tuesday. “Drug barons were protected, and we must put an end to this.

Our mission is to cleanse this country of drugs. I will do whatever it takes to achieve this,” he vowed.

In a display of commitment, 447 new Trainee Police Constables participated in the parade after completing six months of training.

This event, held at the Gymkhana in Vacoas, marked their transition into the police force as Trainee Police Constables.

The new officers underwent their training at six establishments: the SSU Training Establishment, the National Coast Guard Training School, the Police Training School in Curepipe, the Special Mobile Force Training Wing, the Police Training School in Beau-Bassin, and the Police Training School in Vacoas.

The Prime Minister conveyed to them that “there is no success without effort and perseverance.”

He urged them to “build trust” with the public and assist the most vulnerable.

“Uphold your oath with integrity! There is no room for complacency or corruption within the police force.”

Before his address, Navin Ramgoolam presented Shields to the top recruits from the various training schools, recognising TPC Meyakhan (SSU), TPC Bheemah (NCG), TWPC Ramchurn (Police Training School, Curepipe), Trainee PTE Nombreuse (SMF Wing), TWPC Ghorah (Police Training School, Beau-Bassin), and TPC Algoo (Police Training School, Vacoas) for their outstanding achievements.

Source: Le Mauricien