Authorities in Mauritius have imposed a curfew in parts of the island nation after a police officer shot a woman, sparking public unrest overnight. Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam announced the measure in an address to the nation on Tuesday. It will begin at 8:30pm local time (16:30 GMT) and run until 6am (02:00 GMT).
The curfew covers the capital Port Louis and other major population centres on the Indian Ocean island, a popular tourist destination where public unrest is rare. The Education Ministry said some schools were closed on Tuesday because of the turmoil.
Police sergeant charged over shooting of Elodie Thomas
Local media reports said a police sergeant had been charged in connection with the shooting of 27-year-old Elodie Thomas, but gave no details about what led to the incident. Thomas was wounded in the south of the capital while travelling home from work in a van. The Health Ministry said she had undergone successful surgery to remove a bullet.
Protests, police deployments and government response
On Monday, protesters burned tyres and blocked roads in reaction to the shooting, prompting police deployments. The prime minister’s office said the situation had returned to normal and that the public sector would operate as usual.
Police said an investigation into the incident is under way. Ramgoolam’s cabinet is reportedly set to meet on Wednesday to assess the situation.
