Man Sought by Police Over Alleged Bus Assault on Schoolgirl

Mauritius police are searching for a man suspected of sexually assaulting a secondary school student on a public bus, according to a report by Le Defi Media.

The alleged incident involved unwanted physical contact, described in French as attouchements, directed at a collégienne, meaning a girl attending college, which in the Mauritian school system refers to a secondary school student typically between the ages of 11 and 17.

An investigation has been opened and officers are actively working to identify and locate the suspect. No arrest had been made at the time of reporting.

Public buses in Mauritius are operated mainly through the National Transport Authority network and are widely used by schoolchildren to travel to and from school each day. Incidents on public transport involving minors raise particular concern given how dependent students are on buses as their primary means of getting to school.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of young people, particularly girls, on public transport in Mauritius. Advocacy groups and parents have previously called for better security measures on buses, including the presence of conductors and clearer reporting mechanisms for passengers who witness or experience harassment.

Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is encouraged to contact the nearest police station. In Mauritius, sexual offences against minors are prosecuted under the Child Protection Act and the Criminal Code, which carry significant penalties.

What this means: If you or someone you know has experienced harassment or assault on public transport in Mauritius, incidents can be reported directly to any police station or by calling the emergency number 999. The Child Development Unit, operating under the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, can also be contacted for support in cases involving minors.

Source: Le Defi Media