deaths reported in police custody and/or in prison custody since November 2024 to date, he will, for the ben…
(No. B/714) Ms A. Savabaddy (First 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 deaths reported in police custody and/or in prison custody since November 2024 to date, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to the number of reported cases thereof and the outcome of the inquiries initiated thereinto, indicating the number of cases in which – (a) foul play was established, and (b) arrests were effected and prosecutions initiated.
Madam Speaker, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that from November 2024 to 04 May 2026, two persons died whilst in Police custody and 35 deaths occurred in Prisons custody. The two cases of death which occurred in August and December 2025, whilst in Police custody, are under investigation. In regard to the deaths occurring in Prisons custody, Police enquiries have been initiated in all the 35 cases, out of which 7 deaths were caused by asphyxia following hanging, 24 deaths were certified as resulting from natural causes and the remaining 4 cases are still under Police investigation. Madam Speaker, with regard to parts (a) and (b) of the question, I am informed that foul play is suspected in two cases of death in Police custody and two cases of death in Prisons custody. The two persons who died whilst in Police custody had been assaulted by members of the public prior to their arrest by the Police in alleged cases of larceny. In this connection, four persons have been arrested and provisionally charged for wounds and blows causing death without intention to kill and manslaughter. All four accused are currently out on bail. In regard to the deaths occurring in Prisons, no arrest has been effected as yet.
Yes!
I have four supplementaries. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
We will see. Start with the first one!
Okay. From the answer given by the hon. Prime Minister, will the hon. Prime Minister agree that to dispel doubt due to the…
Do not ask for his opinion, remember? Do not ask for his opinion! Rephrase your question.
Okay. Thank you. From the answer given, will the hon. Prime Minister inform the House whether Government will order an independent judicial and forensic inquiry so as to establish the exact cause, timing and circumstances surrounding the death, especially, in the recent cases of Mr Jeff Alexandre Perrine and Dylan Sawmy? Thank you.
That was good! Yes!
In fact, Madam Speaker, pursuant to section 110 and 111 of the District and Intermediate Courts, whenever a person has died in prison or while in police custody, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions may direct a magistrate to hold an inquiry, that is, a judicial inquiry into the cause of death. Based on the outcome of such inquiry, the DPP will advise for further action or whether the case should be filed.
Right. Second!
Thank you, Madam Speaker. May I ask the hon. Prime Minister to confirm whether photographs, forensic samples and independent medical opinions have been secured and whether any prison officers, detainees or personnel are being investigated for possible foul play, assault, negligence or concealment of facts?
Thank you. Yes!
The inquiry is ongoing, Madam Speaker. I assume that they must have been done.
Yes.
Thank you, Madam. L'honorable Premier ministre sera-t-il d'accord que cette situation n'est pas saine ? Est-ce que le gouvernement...
Encore une fois, vous ne lui demandez pas son opinion si…
Très bien ! Je viens directement à ma question. Est-ce que le gouvernement peut prendre à sa charge le coût des contre-autopsies que demandent là où les familles qui n'ont pas les moyens dans ce genre de situation ? Je parle là, de la situation de Messieurs Alexandre Perrine et Dylan Sawmy.
The cost !
Normally, it is not for the government to give for counter- autopsy, but I am sure they can raise the money if they want to.
My last one.
Okay!
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Puis-je demander à l'honorable Premier ministre ce qui est fait par notre gouvernement pour humaniser l'univers carcéral et permettre aux détenus de se réhabiliter tout en maintenant leur dignité ? Merci.
That is a tall order! I already have one there. Yes!
Lots of measures are being taken for rehabilitation. Measures are being taken for that. I do not know whether you have visited, for example, the Melrose Prison. Lots of measures are taken there and it was specifically designed for this purpose as well. Not just putting them in prison but for rehabilitation.
Hon. Prime Minister, maybe you might want to come with a statement later on because of the...
Rapport Lam Shang Leen la semaine prochaine.
Yes.
I know that there is an inquiry going on by the former Judge Lam Shang Leen. I know his report is about to be delivered.
So, okay, good. Hon. Ms Daureeawo!
Yes, thank you, Madam Speaker. Can Dr. the hon. Prime Minister state whether the National Human Rights Commission has been requested to monitor or participate in the inquiry wherever there has been foul play?
My understanding is that they have started inquiries.
You do not ask them. They do it by themselves. I think, if I am not mistaken. Okay, Mr François!
Madam Speaker, with regard to the case of J.A.P., may I ask the hon. Prime Minister whether he is aware, if the case has also been referred to the Human Rights Commission and if any inquiry is ongoing thereof?
Non, mais on vient de parler de ça là. On vient de dire ça là. Mais il fallait écouter !
My understanding is yes.
Yes, okay. Next question, hon. Baboolall! BEL AIR POLICE STATION – STAFFING & VEHICLES – ASSISTANCE REQUESTS