Mauritius Closes Schools and Postpones Exams After Night of Violence

Yesterday 20:20

By: Azzat Manal

Mauritius Closes Schools and Postpones Exams After Night of Violence

Authorities in Mauritius have ordered the closure of all educational institutions and postponed scheduled examinations following a night of unrest triggered by the shooting of a 27-year-old woman by a police officer. The decision, announced on Tuesday, October 13, came as officials sought to restore calm after violent incidents in several parts of the island.

The disturbances began on Monday evening, when protesters erected roadblocks, set fire to tyres and reportedly threw Molotov cocktails at several targets. The police station in Abercrombie was among the locations attacked. Three police officers were injured during the violence, and one was taken to hospital for treatment.

Authorities arrested 10 people in connection with the incidents. Eight were placed in custody, while two minors were released after undertaking to appear before the relevant authorities.

The unrest followed a separate shooting incident involving a 27-year-old woman in a residential area south of the capital. The woman was reportedly wounded by a police gunshot on Friday. A police sergeant has since faced a preliminary charge as part of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Health Minister Anil Bachoo confirmed that the woman had undergone surgery to remove the bullet and that the operation was successful. The case has drawn attention to the use of police firearms and the need to establish the circumstances in which the shooting occurred.

The violence also disrupted the education system. National and international examinations scheduled for Tuesday, along with several school assessments, were postponed until further notice. Authorities said revised dates would be announced later. Higher education institutions switched to remote learning for the day as a precaution.

The closures underline the wider impact of public disturbances on essential services, particularly when authorities must balance public safety with the need to maintain educational activities. The postponement of examinations may also create additional logistical challenges for students, schools and examination organisers.

Despite the incidents, the Prime Minister’s Office said the situation had returned to normal and that public facilities and services were operating according to their usual schedules. The authorities have not provided further details on the investigation into the shooting or indicated when the postponed examinations will take place.

The coming days are likely to be important for determining whether calm can be maintained and whether the investigation provides a clearer account of the events that preceded the unrest. Officials face the immediate task of safeguarding public order while addressing questions surrounding the shooting and its aftermath.