recent incidents on members of the public at public beaches, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain f…
(No. B/203) Mr A. Duval (Fourth Member for Port Louis North & Montagne Longue) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to recent incidents on members of the public at public beaches, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Commissioner of Police, information as to the – (a) number of reported cases thereof since 11 November 2024 to date, indicating the number of – (i) cases resulting in physical injury, including deaths; (ii) cases involving sexual abuse; (iii) incidents involving minors, and (iv) persons provisionally charged in relation thereto, and (b) measures being proposed to maintain law and order on public beaches. 41
Madam Speaker, in regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that as from 11 November 2024 to 24 March 2025, thirty-one cases have been reported to the Police, which relate to incidents on members of the public, on public beaches. Out of these – (i) 22 resulted in physical injury, including one case of ill-treatment of child and one case of death, and (ii) 9 related sexual abuse cases, out of which 8 involved minors. I am also informed that fifteen persons have been provisionally charged and enquiries are ongoing. With regard to part (b) of the question, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that, in order to maintain law and order on public beaches, the Police are implementing the following measures – (i) visible Police presence through regular foot, bike and vehicle patrols by the regular Police, as well as other specialised units, namely the Emergency Response Services, the National Coast Guard, the Police du Tourisme, Central Investigation Department, and Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit, particularly during weekends, public holidays and busy hours on the beach; (ii) surveillance through, again, Safe City cameras, where available, with constant monitoring at the Police Main Command and Control Centre; (iii) public awareness campaigns by officers of the National Coast Guard, Police du Tourisme and regular Police to educate beachgoers, including tourists, on safety measures and reporting mechanisms, and (iv) close collaboration with local authorities and other stakeholders, such as the Beach Authority, to enhance response and security of beachgoers. Madam Speaker, moreover, with a view to increasing surveillance along coastal regions, especially during the night, police presence is enhanced along these regions, whereby various teams, including the Traffic Unit, the SMF (Special Mobile Force), the Special Support Unit and the local police conduct road blocks, Vehicle Check Points and targeted drink/drug test operations.
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Thank you. Time is up! Time is up!
Madam Speaker…
No! No question! Time is up! Hon. Members, the Table has been advised that the following PQs have been withdrawn: B/207, B/208, B/209, B/210, and B/211. Now I call on Hon. Second Member for Mahebourg and Plaine Magnien! CARREAU ACCACIA, LE BOUCHON – PIG FARMS – RELOCATION