Police Detain 2 Following Violent Carjacking and Hostage Ordeal in Suburbs

Two suspects have been detained by police following a violent carjacking that left a 71-year-old pensioner held at knifepoint in his own vehicle.

Gary Christopher Leonce, 35, a known reoffender, and Laeticia Ana Woomed, 25, both residents of Eau-Coulée, were arrested by the Divisional Crime Intelligence Unit. Authorities confirmed the pair have since confessed to the robbery.

The Ambush at Sivananda Avenue

The incident occurred on the night of 9 February as the victim, a resident of Eau-Coulée, was driving toward Floréal.

While stationary at a red light at the intersection of Sivananda Avenue, the victim was approached by a man and a woman.

The woman initially demanded money before the man forced entry through the rear door.

Once inside, the male suspect produced a bladed weapon and took the driver hostage, ordering him to drive back toward Curepipe.

During the ordeal, the suspects ransacked the vehicle, stealing MUR 2,000 and the driver’s identification documents.

The victim was eventually ordered to stop the car near Dunputh Lallah College, where the assailants fled on foot.

Threats of Retaliation

Before escaping, the male suspect issued a chilling warning to the elderly driver:

“Be careful, I know your face. If you go to the police, I will cut you.”

Despite the threats, the victim reported the crime immediately, leading to the swift intervention of the Divisional Crime Intelligence Unit and the Curepipe Criminal Investigation Division (CID).

Investigation Widens

The suspects remain in custody as detectives investigate their potential involvement in a string of similar attacks.

Reports have surfaced on social media describing a separate, violent encounter near the So’flo shopping centre in Floréal.

In that instance, a driver was reportedly strangled and ordered to drive to an ATM.

When the victim revealed they had no bank card and attempted to drive to a police station, the assailant inflicted facial wounds with a sharp object.

Police are now urging any other potential victims to come forward as the CID continues its interrogation into the recent spike in local carjackings.

Source: Defi Media