Madam Speaker, I am informed that on Friday, 29 November 2024, around 19.40 hours, Mrs M.C.N.L. noticed that her granddaughter, late minor E.K.G., 7 years old, was nowhere to be found. The minor was spending her school holidays at her place since 23 November 2024. The grandmother proceeded to Bain des Dames Police Station to report the matter. There, the police officers viewed the CCTV footage of the region, which revealed that a man was holding the hand of the minor and was walking towards Cassis Bridge. The grandmother identified the man as one A.R. Madam Speaker, I am also informed that on 30 November 2024 at 4.00 hours, police arrested the alleged perpetrator, Mr A.R., residing at La Butte, Port Louis. The latter confessed to having murdered minor E.K.G. The dead body was found in a wasteland behind St. Georges Cemetery at Bain des Dames. An autopsy was conducted by the Police Medical Officer. The cause of death was attributed to asphyxia by choking. Madam Speaker, on the same day, I visited the grandmother at Bain des Dames, Cassis, and the biological mother at Chebel. I remained in contact with the biological father by phone. Meanwhile, officers of my Ministry visited the relatives, where necessary psychological support and counselling were provided to them. Madam Speaker, I would also wish to draw the attention of the House that following further investigations, it was revealed that the suspect published on social media several pictures of himself with three other minors sitting on a bed, each holding a bottle of alcoholic drink. At the material time of the death of late minor E.K.G., the pictures were still on social media. It would appear that this post has been online since last year.

57 Madam Speaker, as soon as I was made aware of these publications, I immediately gave instructions to officers of my Ministry to report the matter to the Cybercrime Unit on 02 December 2024 and to have this post removed. The suspicious nature of these pictures has triggered an inquiry at the level of my Ministry. Upon identification from the outset, a psychological assessment was also carried out with the three minors. Madam Speaker, I personally instructed that an Emergency Protection Order be applied for before the Children’s Court, in line with the provisions of the Children’s Act 2020, to enable medical examinations of the three minors. Madam Speaker, I wish to reiterate that violence against children in all its forms would not be tolerated by this Government. This horrible crime against that child is testimony that we still have to strengthen our legislation and place increased emphasis on education and communication campaigns to sensitise all citizens on the need to protect our children. There is also the need to report on any ill-treatment and harm upon a child or any suspected risk. Madam Speaker, a new protocol of collaboration with the Police are being designed to tackle such cases more efficiently in the future. The Assises de la femme et de la famille, which is being held today itself, will serve as a crucial platform, allowing NGOs as well as social and community workers to provide useful information that will serve to redefine our policies and action plans, aiming at the development of innovative and re-engineer policies for the welfare and protection of families, especially our children. Thank you.

Thank you. Yes, hon. Baboolall, your last question! NEW FLACQ HOSPITAL – BUS SERVICE FACILITY