26 Arrested During Mauritius Curfew Police Operations, Including a Minor
Mauritius police carried out enforcement operations during the active curfew, detaining 26 people — among them one minor — for violations.
Mauritius police arrested 26 people during enforcement operations conducted under the island's active curfew, according to a report by Le Défi Media. Among those detained was at least one minor.
The arrests are part of a broader crackdown by Mauritian authorities following the imposition of a curfew in response to civil unrest that has gripped parts of the island in recent days. Security forces have been conducting patrols and checkpoints to ensure compliance with movement restrictions.
The Mauritius Police Force and the Special Mobile Force (SMF) — the country's paramilitary unit responsible for public order — have both been deployed as part of these operations. Authorities had previously warned that violations would be treated with zero tolerance, and the latest arrests suggest that warning is being enforced.
The presence of a minor among those detained raises additional legal and welfare questions. Under Mauritian law, juveniles who are arrested are generally handled through a separate process from adult offenders, with cases referred to the Judiciary Police for Minors. Child rights organisations in Mauritius, including DIS-MOI, have been vocal in recent months about how young people are treated within the justice system.
The curfew was put in place by the government amid widespread unrest, during which several supermarkets and commercial premises were looted and properties damaged across different parts of the island. Locations including Mahébourg, Camp-Levieux, and Bambous were among the areas affected.
What this means: If you are in Mauritius, you are legally required to remain at home during curfew hours unless you hold a valid exemption — such as for essential work or a medical emergency. Breaching curfew can result in arrest and prosecution. The fact that 26 people were detained in a single enforcement sweep signals that police are actively patrolling and not issuing warnings alone. Anyone with a family member detained should contact the nearest police station or a legal representative. The detention of a minor will likely prompt further scrutiny from child welfare bodies and legal advocates.
Source: Le Défi Media
Read more
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you are caught breaking the curfew in Mauritius?−
Anyone found violating curfew restrictions in Mauritius can be arrested on the spot by police or the Special Mobile Force (SMF). Offenders may face prosecution under the Public Health Act or emergency regulations, which can carry fines or imprisonment. The Mauritius Police Force has stated it is enforcing a zero-tolerance policy.
How are minors treated if arrested during the Mauritius curfew?−
In Mauritius, juveniles who are arrested are generally processed separately from adult offenders. Their cases are typically referred to the Judiciary Police for Minors, and they may be held at a youth detention facility rather than a standard police cell. Child rights organisations such as DIS-MOI monitor such cases closely.
How many people have been arrested for curfew violations in Mauritius so far?−
At least 38 people have been publicly reported as arrested for curfew violations across multiple enforcement sweeps — 12 in an earlier operation and 26, including one minor, in the latest round of police operations reported by Le Défi Media.
From Our Network
Find Property in Mauritius
Search Listings →
📧 Breaking alerts straight to your inbox