Flacq WhatsApp 'Gen Z' Group Linked to Molotov Cocktail Plot

Police in Flacq, on the east coast of Mauritius, have arrested two people in connection with an alleged plot to incite disorder in the district, including the distribution of Molotov cocktails intended to set fire to public infrastructure.

On the evening of Wednesday 14 October, the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) of Flacq, supported by the Groupement d'Intervention de la Police Mauricienne (GIPM), the Mauritian police rapid intervention unit, detained a 21-year-old man. Investigators allege he created a WhatsApp group called "GEN Z" with the aim of mobilising people to cause unrest in the Flacq area.

During questioning, the suspect reportedly admitted to acting with accomplices and said he had distributed Molotov cocktails to be used against public facilities. He also allegedly acknowledged being present when a member of the group set fire to dry leaves near the MUGA football ground in Flacq. MUGA, which stands for Multi-Use Games Area, refers to the multipurpose sports facilities found across Mauritius.

The suspect has been placed in police custody. As with all persons under investigation in Mauritius, he is presumed innocent unless and until found guilty by a court.

Later the same day, at around 4:30 in the afternoon, a second arrest was made in the same district. A 16-year-old from Bramsthan, in the Cite Hibiscus area of Flacq, was detained following a complaint lodged by a 34-year-old motorist. Full details of that incident were not disclosed in the initial police report.

The arrests come amid broader concerns across Mauritius about youth involvement in civil disorder. In recent weeks, the country has seen incidents of arson, looting and public unrest in several regions, with authorities warning that organised networks are actively recruiting young people to participate in violence.

What this means: The use of social media platforms like WhatsApp to coordinate civil unrest is a growing concern for Mauritian authorities. If the allegations are proven in court, those involved could face serious charges under Mauritian law, including arson and conspiracy to cause public disorder. The involvement of minors adds a further dimension, as the legal system treats juvenile suspects differently from adults. Parents, schools and community organisations across Mauritius have been urged to remain alert to signs that young people are being drawn into such networks.

Source: ION News