[Feminicide in Morcellement Saint-André] A Toxic Love, A Shattered Life: The Cruel Fate of Natasha Cornet

A grim series of domestic violence continues to plague the nation. On Sunday, October 27th, the lifeless body of Natasha Vidushi Cornet, 35, a mother of three, was discovered on the bank of the Ville-Bague canal in Morcellement Saint-André. She was reportedly strangled by her husband, Aumananshing (or Aumanand Singh) Cornet, 37, a repeat offender already known to the police for a history of domestic violence and various offenses.

A Fatal Argument

According to initial findings from the CID of Pamplemousses, the couple argued while returning from a visit to SSRN hospital. The dispute escalated, with the man accusing his wife of being the cause of his recent troubles with the police. Overcome with rage, he allegedly strangled her and left her body in a secluded area on Powder Mill Road, not far from the main road.

The victim's body was found lying on the bank, feet in the water, by two young men, including her 17-year-old son, whom the suspect had contacted to confess his actions. Nearby, investigators discovered two mobile phones, a handwritten letter, and a plastic bag. The suspect's vehicle, a black and red Mitsubishi, was found about 150 meters from the scene, with its engine off and the key still in the ignition.

An autopsy conducted by Dr. Prem Chamane confirmed that the cause of death was due to neck compression, affirming the murder theory.

A Beaten Woman, Trapped by Fear and Maternal Love

Natasha Cornet, a jeweler by trade, had lived for years under the constant threat of her husband. According to her mother, Veena Jootun, Natasha had left the marital home multiple times after episodes of violence, only to return "for the sake of her children."

Last April, Natasha filed a complaint for assault against her husband after he threatened her with a knife and then struck her with a cup. She obtained a Protection Order, which she later withdrew under family pressure and mediation. However, despite these warning signs, the tragedy could not be avoided.

A Perpetrator Already Known to the Police

Aumananshing Cornet was no stranger to legal troubles. Listed at the Goodlands police station, he had been arrested several times, including for possession of cannabis seeds, theft, and even assault while in detention in 2017. Without stable employment, he relied financially on his wife, whom he regularly beat to extort money.

After the murder, he allegedly attempted to take his own life with a sharp object before being found by the police and taken to SSRN hospital, where he is under observation. Once he recovers, he will face murder charges in the Pamplemousses court.

A Broken Family

Natasha leaves behind three children, aged 17, 15, and 10, now entrusted to a relative. One of her daughters was scheduled to take an exam on Tuesday, the day after her mother’s funeral. This tragedy occurs less than two weeks after the murder of Danaa Laeticia Malabar, who was stabbed by her husband, intensifying anger and outrage at the increase in feminicides in Mauritius.

The Authorities' Call

The Minister of Gender Equality, Arianne Navarre-Marie, expressed her dismay. She reminded that the victim had obtained a Protection Order before renouncing it: "This kind of tragedy prompts us to be even more vigilant. We urge all victims of domestic violence to come forward and not remain alone." She also urged relatives to report any violent behavior before it is too late.

Domestic Abuse Bill: Towards a Strengthened Legal Framework Against Family Violence

Recent feminicides have renewed the urgency to enhance the fight against domestic violence in Mauritius. The Domestic Abuse Bill, currently being finalized, aims to address the shortcomings of the existing framework, which is often deemed insufficient to protect victims.

In 2024, 5,758 cases of domestic violence were recorded, according to Statistics Mauritius, compared to over 7,000 in 2023. Behind these numbers, human tragedies are recurring. The murders of Natasha Cornet and Danaa Malabar, both killed by their husbands, have highlighted the system's limitations, particularly the ineffectiveness of the Protection Order when withdrawn or poorly enforced.

The new legislation seeks to broaden the definition of abuse to include all forms - physical, psychological, sexual, or financial - and to encompass unmarried partners. It also introduces the Protection Notice, an emergency measure that police can issue before a court decision, and the principle of mandatory reporting for certain professionals.

Finally, the bill provides for better coordination between institutions and monitoring of perpetrators of violence, to avoid gaps in the protection chain. But beyond the legal framework, a genuine change in mentality is required: education, awareness, and support must accompany the law to break the cycle of fear and silence.

The Domestic Abuse Bill aims to be a decisive turning point in the fight against a scourge that continues to affect thousands of women every year in Mauritius.