[Insecurity] Suhail Lidialam: "The police are on the ground every day"

Recent incidents, particularly the murder of merchant Mark Yeung Shi Yin, owner of Mark’s Aquarium in Baie-du-Tombeau, have reignited concerns over crime in Mauritius. Violent burglaries, assaults, and vendettas have been widely circulated on social media, generating a pervasive fear of a society where violence has become a part of daily life. However, official data tells a different story.

Police Assistant Superintendent Suhail Lidialam, head of the Police Press Office, shares his perspective: "There is a lot of talk about a sense of insecurity, but it’s not because the police aren’t doing enough. The police are on the ground every day, 24/7. Our officers are deployed day and night, and we do our utmost."

The Numbers Speak

Statistics presented by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam at the National Assembly confirm this trend. Since January 2025, the police have recorded 4,247 cases of simple assaults, 112 premeditated assaults, 104 assaults against police officers, 24 attempted murders, and 24 murders. The Prime Minister noted that 25 cases of fatal assaults have been recorded during this period, of which 24 have already been solved, resulting in a resolution rate of 96%. "Despite the prevailing impression, the statistics clearly indicate a downward trend compared to previous years," he stated. "Authorities are effectively coordinating their efforts on the ground. In most cases, matters are resolved within 48 hours."

For instance, the murder of Mark Yeung Shi Yin, which shocked the public, was solved in less than 24 hours by the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT). "This is proof that the police act swiftly and professionally," the Prime Minister added, praising the work of the new police commissioner who, according to him, has "restored discipline and integrity to the police force."

Since January, the number of arrests has reached 1,185, including 108 repeat offenders and 100 suspects who committed offenses while on probation or bail.

The Role of Social Media in the Sense of Insecurity

For the head of the PPO, it is primarily the speed of information that distorts reality. "Today, anyone can share a video, a complaint, or a message without verifying. This amplifies the sense of insecurity, while most cases are isolated or already resolved," he explains. He also regrets the leaks of confidential information circulating on WhatsApp even before investigations are concluded: "This is illegal, and any officer who transmits confidential information will be held accountable for their actions."

While the rapid circulation of information promotes transparency, it also fuels a form of collective psychosis where every isolated incident becomes a symbol of supposed disorder.

Increased Efforts on Prevention and Communication

Suhail Lidialam, recently appointed, aims to strengthen communication between the police and the media to avoid rumors and restore trust: "I am working to structure the dissemination of information so that journalists can be informed more quickly and reliably. We want to communicate more about our operations, our arrests, and our seizures, without compromising investigations."

He believes that prevention will also be a core priority: "We will enhance public awareness on precautions to take, whether at home or in public spaces."

The report from Statistics Mauritius released in June 2025 also points to deeper trends: while overall crime is declining, violent crimes are increasingly concentrated in the family sphere. In 2024, 40% of homicides and over 60% of assaults were committed in homes, often between relatives. These tragedies reflect less of a danger in the streets than a growing social and psychological malaise, linked to economic tensions, drug issues, and the disintegration of family ties.

A Country Still Safe

Once again, the numbers speak for themselves: Mauritius remains the safest destination in Africa. According to the Global Peace Index 2024, the country ranks 22nd worldwide with a score of 1.546, making it the first on the African continent.

This result confirms that, despite highly publicized incidents, the level of safety in Mauritius remains high and the country's stability recognized internationally. Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has emphasized the need to restore police independence, stating that the institution no longer acts under political influence. "The time when the police received orders from private residences is over," he declared, alluding to a not-so-distant past where operational decisions were dictated outside of official channels. "We are restoring discipline, integrity, and efficiency within the police force. One crime is already one crime too many in a civilized society, but our duty is to demonstrate that the rule of law functions."

The challenges are real, acknowledges Suhail Lidialam, but they do not indicate an explosion of violence. Behind the fear lies a society in transformation — a connected society where emotions circulate faster than facts. "The challenges are there, but the police are trained to face them. Our teams are on the ground, day and night, tackling the situation," concludes the ASP.