Judicial Inquiry into the Death of John Mick Martingale: Lead Prison Officer Vythilinga Confronted with Other Inmates' Accounts

The testimony of Lead Prison Officer Jonathan Vythilinga continued on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the Rose-Hill court as part of the judicial inquiry aimed at uncovering the circumstances surrounding the death of John Mick Martingale, which occurred on September 7, 2024, at Beau-Bassin prison.

The officer was confronted with statements from other inmates who occupied cells near the deceased's. They claimed to have heard "a commotion" and discussions. One of them mentioned that four officers had burst into John Mick Martingale's cell for a search.

However, Officer Jonathan Vythilinga insisted that only one officer entered the cell while the other four remained outside. Furthermore, he stated that there was no discussion, but rather "some insistence" for the deceased to hand over his mobile phone.

The judicial inquiry will continue on April 29, 2026.