Police Arrest Suspect after 5 Days following Viral School Bus Assault

The man from Trou-d’Eau-Douce has been arrested and charged after a violent confrontation with a bus conductor was captured on film and shared widely across social media.

The suspect appeared in court on Monday, 9 February, facing a provisional charge of premeditated assault.

He was granted bail after providing a surety of Rs 7,500 and signing a recognisance of debt for Rs 20,000.

The Incident

The assault occurred on Wednesday, 4 February, in St-Julien d’Hotman. According to police reports, the suspect pursued a school bus after learning his niece had been refused entry.

He reportedly overtook the vehicle and boarded it at a subsequent stop to confront the conductor.

Witnesses described the situation escalating rapidly as the man began punching the conductor in front of approximately 84 schoolgirls from various colleges in the Saint-Pierre and Moka regions.

Conductor’s Defence

The conductor, who filed an official complaint at Lallmatie police station on the day of the attack, justified his decision to bar the student by stating the bus had already reached its maximum legal capacity.

He further reported that Rs 1,000 in daily takings went missing during the altercation.

Investigation and Arrest

The investigation, led by Camp-de-Masque police, utilised footage recorded by a passenger to identify the assailant.

Upon his arrest, the suspect reportedly confessed to the facts of the case.

Detectives also questioned a female relative of the schoolgirl involved.

While she was permitted to return home following her interrogation, police have not ruled out the possibility of further charges being brought against her for related offences.

Source: Defi Media