Police Seize Knife in Metro Express Crackdown

A passenger was arrested in Mauritius’s Metro Express after police found a knife on them during a security crackdown. The operation was launched following a recent knife attack on a passenger.

The Minister of Land Transport, Osman Mahomed, shared a photo on his Facebook page showing an officer holding the seized knife while facing the arrested passenger.

Speaking by phone, Mahomed explained that the police operation was initiated to enhance passenger safety after a 35-year-old man was attacked with a knife on the evening of Sunday, 21 September.

The following day, Monday, 22 September, the minister called a meeting and requested that the Emergency Response Service (ERS) Transport Squad increase its presence on the metro.

“The ministry has sent an official request to the Commissioner of Police,” he said. “I am satisfied that rapid action has been taken.”

Mahomed confirmed that such operations will now be conducted regularly. He noted that similar initiatives began with the “To pa paye, to tase” operation aimed at tackling fare dodgers and preventing abuse.

Regarding the recent assault, Mahomed said he is in contact with a relative of the victim. According to information gathered, the victim and the alleged attacker were sitting next to each other before the situation escalated. The suspect was identified using the onboard security cameras.

Mahomed stressed that the incident did not involve Metro Express staff or management. “The metro carries about 400 passengers during peak hours.

We must guarantee the safety of both our users and our staff. We will be uncompromising and reassure the public: their safety remains our priority,” he stated.

The minister also reiterated plans to install surveillance cameras on buses.

Source: Defi Media