SMF Warns Zero Tolerance on Curfew Violations in Mauritius
The Mauritius Special Mobile Force has issued a firm warning that any breach of the ongoing curfew will be met with immediate enforcement action.
The Special Mobile Force (SMF), one of Mauritius's principal paramilitary units operating under the Mauritius Police Force, has issued a stark warning to the public: no violations of the current curfew will be tolerated.
The statement comes as Mauritius continues to grapple with a wave of civil unrest that has seen looting, vandalism and public disorder break out across several parts of the island. Authorities have responded by imposing a nightly curfew, deploying additional security personnel, and invoking emergency legal powers.
The SMF, which is trained for riot control, crowd management and internal security operations, plays a central role in enforcing the curfew alongside the regular police and other units. Its public declaration signals that security forces are prepared to act firmly against anyone found on the streets during restricted hours without a valid exemption.
The curfew, currently in force between 8:30 PM and 5:00 AM, was first introduced in response to violent incidents that included the ransacking of supermarkets and a courthouse. It has since been extended and expanded to cover additional areas of the island. Cabinet approved a further extension earlier this week, underscoring the seriousness with which the government is treating the ongoing situation.
Authorities have also announced that anti-terror legislation may be used against rioters and looters, and that the age threshold for criminal detention could be lowered to 12 years old to address the involvement of minors in disturbances. As of the latest count, 94 people have been arrested in connection with the unrest, including 16 minors and one police officer.
Residents without a legitimate reason to be outside during curfew hours β such as work in an essential sector, a medical emergency, or another officially recognised exemption β risk arrest and prosecution.
What this means: If you are in Mauritius right now, the SMF's statement is a clear signal that curfew enforcement is not symbolic. Security forces are on active patrol, including aerial surveillance by police helicopter. Anyone caught outside during restricted hours without proper justification can expect to be detained. Residents should check the current curfew hours and exemption categories, stay indoors after 8:30 PM, and follow official updates closely as the situation continues to evolve.
Source: Le Defi Media
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SMF in Mauritius?β
The Special Mobile Force (SMF) is a paramilitary unit within the Mauritius Police Force, responsible for riot control, internal security, and disaster response. It is one of the primary units deployed during civil unrest and public order emergencies in Mauritius.
What are the current curfew hours in Mauritius?β
The curfew in Mauritius is currently in force from 8:30 PM to 5:00 AM. It was introduced in response to civil unrest and has been extended and expanded to additional areas by Cabinet. Residents without an officially recognised exemption must remain indoors during these hours.
What happens if you break the curfew in Mauritius?β
Anyone found violating the curfew without a valid exemption risks immediate arrest and prosecution. The SMF has explicitly stated it will show zero tolerance for violations, and security forces including police helicopters are actively patrolling affected areas.
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