Port Louis: Mauritius has closed schools across the country following a night of unrest over the shooting of a 27 year old woman by a police officer. The disturbances also disrupted public transport and prompted a police response in several areas of the island.
The government announced the school closures on Monday evening, October 12, as tensions continued following the shooting of Élodie Thomas in Camp Levieux, near Rose Hill. All pre primary, primary and secondary schools were ordered to remain closed on Tuesday, October 13. Childcare centres were also closed for the day.
Universities and other higher education institutions moved classes online. Examinations scheduled for Tuesday were postponed, affecting students across the country. The authorities are expected to announce revised examination dates through the relevant education bodies.
Thomas was shot late on Friday, October 9, while travelling home from work in a van. The incident has triggered public anger and renewed questions about police conduct and the use of firearms.
Health Minister Anil Bachoo said Thomas had undergone surgery to remove the bullet. Reports on Monday continued to describe her condition as critical. Her latest medical condition should be confirmed through an official update.
The police officer involved was identified in local media reports as Gautam Singh Taukoor. He was provisionally charged in connection with the shooting. Three other officers who were reportedly present at the scene were also suspended from duty over allegations that they failed to assist a person in danger. The allegations remain subject to investigation, and the suspensions do not establish guilt.
The precise circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation. Reports indicate that the incident followed a confrontation involving the van driver and police officers near a road obstruction. However, the complete sequence of events and the circumstances in which the firearm was discharged have not been conclusively established.
Protests intensified on Monday night, with groups of people burning tyres and blocking roads in several areas. Police were deployed to restore order and manage the disturbances. Local reports described unrest in places including Sainte Croix, Cité Mangalkhan, Bambous, Petite Rivière, Barkly and Grand Gaube.
Three men were reportedly arrested following disturbances in Sainte Croix. A police officer was also reported to have suffered minor injuries during the unrest. Further details about the arrests and the circumstances of the officer's injury require confirmation from the authorities.
The unrest also affected public transport. Metro Express services remained suspended on Tuesday morning, while bus services began resuming gradually depending on road conditions and police clearance. The disruption caused difficulties for commuters who rely on public transport to travel to work and other destinations.
Authorities and transport operators continued to assess the situation. Passengers were advised to check for service updates before travelling. The extent of any damage to transport infrastructure and the timeline for the full restoration of services require further confirmation.
Despite the disruption, public sector services were expected to continue operating normally. Business organisations also advised employers to consider remote working and flexible hours where possible to reduce travel difficulties and help protect employees.
The school closures and examination postponements have added to the disruption faced by families and students. The authorities have not confirmed when normal school activities will resume beyond the closure announced for Tuesday. Any further closure will depend on official decisions and developments in the security situation.
The shooting has raised wider concerns about police accountability and the protection of civilians. Mauritius is generally regarded as a politically stable country, making the unrest a significant public order challenge for the authorities.
The immediate priorities are restoring calm, ensuring the safety of residents and commuters, and establishing the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The investigation will be important in determining individual responsibility and whether any further action is required.
Police deployments and transport disruptions remained key concerns on Tuesday as the country awaited further information about the investigation and the return of normal public services.
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