Law and Order in Mauritius: Perception, Reality and the Rule of Law

Qs & As

‘There is a cultural shift toward asserting rights while neglecting civic responsibilities, and restoring the situation will require the police to proactively rebuild public trust’

Although Mauritius continues to rank among the safest and most stable nations in Africa, public confidence in law and order appears increasingly fragile. Rising social pressures, economic hardship, viral social media narratives, and strained relations between the public and the police have combined to fuel a perception that public order is under threat. In this Q&A, Lex examines whether that perception reflects a genuine deterioration in public safety or, instead, a crisis of trust and communication. From systemic delays in the criminal justice system to allegations of police misconduct, growing aggression toward law enforcement officers, and the challenge of balancing public order with constitutional rights, Lex explores the legal, institutional, and societal dimensions of the current debate.

* The law and order situation in Mauritius as of January 2026 is currently a subject of intense national debate. While Mauritius remains one of the safest and most stable countries in Africa, the perception of security is currently under pressure. From a legal standpoint, how can we tell whether law and order is actually deteriorating or whether it is mainly a matter of public perception?

It is both. While the law is clear and many offences remain punishable, public opinion increasingly blames the judiciary, the police, and the government for the rise in crime. This is often a skewed perception. Legally, the state provides the framework, but you cannot have a police officer on every street corner to “babysit” potential offenders.

* The authorities must provide accurate crime facts, yet social media often spreads instantaneous and sensationalized versions of incidents that could be causing unnecessary alarm. This creates a difficult challenge: how can we correct misinformation and keep the peace without silencing free speech?

The media generally follows two strands: raw reporting without comment, and reporting supplemented by public commentary. Often, these comments cause more harm than good. I doubt that the mere publication of government statistics will be enough to counter the pull of sensationalism; the emotional weight of a viral video often outweighs a spreadsheet.

* On the other hand, to what extent do delays in investigation and trial contribute to the perception of lawlessness, and does the law provide adequate remedies for systemic delays?

Delays in investigation and trial are endemic to the Mauritian criminal justice system. Remedying this is complex. Some argue the police are ill-equipped; others believe the judiciary is simply overburdened. Ultimately, the root issue is a chronic lack of resources across the entire legal chain.

* The growing aggression toward the Mauritian police appears to be a complex trend reflecting deep social tensions and a breakdown in trust, rather than simply a case of criminals getting bolder. What are your thoughts on this?

There is no denying that, by and large, the public has lost trust in the police. Much of this stems from the aggressive conduct of certain units, such as the Special Striking Team under the previous regime. Furthermore, there is a cultural shift where individuals are quick to assert their rights while completely abandoning their civic obligations. For the situation to improve, the police must proactively work to regain public confidence.

* High cost of living has left many people frustrated and on edge. In “hotspot” areas, the police are often treated as the visible face of “uncaring” governments, making them targets for general social anger. To what extent is the rise in aggression a police issue versus a broader failure of social and economic policy?

Economic disparities undoubtedly influence behaviour. Those who feel left behind by the “privileged” members of society often project their frustration onto the police, whom they perceive as the protectors of that elite. In this sense, the police become a proxy target for broader socio-economic anger.

* Incidents that might have stayed local now go viral instantly. The “filming culture” of bystanders during police interventions often escalates tensions, as officers feel pressured and bystanders feel empowered to intervene or verbally abuse the police. Should there be clearer legal guidelines on the right to film police to prevent bystanders from obstructing active operations?

Technology knows no bounds, and filming incidents for social media has become a reflexive human reaction. When these videos go viral, they tend to generate aggressive, anti-police sentiment. This raises a difficult question: should social media be better monitored so that inflammatory images can be flagged or blocked before they incite further violence?

* Police officers may become reluctant to intervene in challenging situations for fear of being assaulted or unfairly vilified on social media. Alternatively, they may respond to aggression with heavier-handed tactics, which in turn fuels further public resentment — a classic vicious cycle. What are your thoughts on this issue?

I believe that when the police must intervene to quell a serious disturbance, they should be accompanied by the Special Mobile Force (SMF). The presence of disciplined, armed soldiers often serves as a necessary deterrent to potential troublemakers.

* Are existing oversight bodies and complaint mechanisms sufficient to hold law enforcement accountable, and how effective are they in practice?

On paper, yes. Numerous laws prohibit the use of excessive force, and the Police Complaints Commission exists specifically to investigate such grievances. The framework is there; its effectiveness depends on its application.

* From a legal perspective, should Mauritius focus more on preventive and restorative justice measures rather than punitive ones, and are current laws flexible enough to support such approaches?

In principle, yes. But the practical “how” is the challenge. Do we have the resources? Currently, our system is built almost entirely on the cycle of investigation, trial, and punishment. We need specialists to enter schools and community centres to educate both the youth and the police on a different approach to justice.

* In responding to public pressure for stronger law-and-order measures, how can the State ensure that constitutional rights — such as personal liberty, due process, and freedom from abuse — are not compromised?

Balancing individual rights with the duty to maintain order is always a delicate task. In the heat of action, collateral damage can occur. Often, an individual who has assaulted an officer will immediately contact a lawyer to invoke his human rights. What some forget is that by assaulting an officer, they have already violated the human rights of society at large. To recognize only one’s own rights while ignoring the safety of others is unacceptable.

Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 30 January 2026