ReA Demands Parallel Independent Inquiry Into Élodie Thomas Shooting

The civil society organisation Rezistans ek Alternativ (ReA) has called for an independent inquiry to run in parallel with the official police investigation into the shooting of Élodie Thomas, a woman critically wounded by a bullet allegedly fired by a police sergeant in Camp-Levieux, Mauritius. **What happened?** Élodie Thomas was shot and seriously injured in an incident involving a police sergeant at Camp-Levieux, a locality in the east of Mauritius. The officer has since been arrested. The case has sent shockwaves through Mauritian society, raising urgent questions about police conduct, accountability, and the integrity of any internal investigation. The severity of Thomas's injuries prompted authorities to fly in four specialist surgeons from India to perform the necessary medical procedures — an extraordinary measure that underlines the gravity of her condition. **Why is ReA calling for an independent inquiry?** ReA — Rezistans ek Alternativ — is a Mauritian political and civil rights movement known for its advocacy on issues of justice, democracy, and institutional accountability. The group argues that leaving the investigation solely in the hands of the police force raises an inherent conflict of interest, given that the accused is himself a serving officer. By demanding a parallel independent investigation, ReA is pushing for a process that operates outside the police chain of command — one that would be seen as impartial by the public and capable of holding institutions to account without internal pressure or interference. **What the authorities have said** Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has publicly stated there will be no cover-up in this case, signalling that the government is aware of the high public scrutiny surrounding the incident. Prominent lawyer Roshi Valayden has separately called for a drug test to be conducted on the arrested officer, adding further pressure on investigators to conduct a thorough and transparent process. **What this means** The Camp-Levieux shooting has become a flashpoint for broader concerns about police accountability in Mauritius. When a member of the security forces is accused of shooting a civilian, public trust in a self-regulated investigation is naturally strained. ReA's demand reflects a widely held view that only a credibly independent process — one with no ties to the police hierarchy — can deliver justice and restore confidence. For Élodie Thomas and her family, the dual pressure of a medical crisis and a high-profile legal battle makes this one of the most closely watched cases in Mauritius in recent memory. The outcome of both the police investigation and any potential independent inquiry is likely to have lasting implications for how Mauritius handles allegations of misconduct within its security services. Source: Le Défi Media