Seychelles Attorney General’s office says no evidence to prosecute police officers in alleged assault case

(Seychelles News Agency) - The Attorney General’s office has concluded that there was no evidence to support a criminal case to prosecute any members of the Public Security Support Wing (PSSW) of the Seychelles Police force in relation to an alleged assault case reported in March, according to a statement issued by the police this afternoon.

An internal disciplinary committee of the police will now review the incident.

The incident was reported on the night of March 17, at Belonie on Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles archipelago whereby a 27 year old Seychellois man, Jean Paul David, alleged that he was physically assaulted and struck in the face by at least one of the PSSW officers who were patrolling the area.

David was admitted to the Seychelles Hospital with visible injuries to his mouth and knee.

According to the police statement issued today the case was submitted to the Attorney General’s office for review following a police investigation.

“…those identified to be at the scene ….were interviewed so as to establish facts of the case. From information collected during the investigation, two of the five officers were placed on the exact spot where David said he was allegedly assaulted” read the statement.  

“The lead investigator on the case placed the suspect officers on an identification parade which would have allowed David to pick and single out his aggressor or aggressors in this matter, as reported. At the ID parade the alleged victim could not identify his aggressor.”

It’s following further consultation on these findings that the Attorney General’s office has concluded that "there was no evidence to support a criminal case beyond a reasonable doubt to prosecute those members of the PSSW, who were carrying out official duty at Belonie during the night of March 17."

While he says he is satisfied with the way investigation was carried out, the Commissioner of the Seychelles Police, Ernest Quatre has reminded each and every officer of the mission of the force.

“Our mission is to serve and protect, and we must do it to the best of our ability. No one will be tolerated or protected, if ever involved or found guilty of any criminal activities or undesirable behaviours which could harm the image of our organization,” said Quatre in the statement.

Now that the Attorney General’s office has presented its conclusion the police says it is considering possible courses of action.

“In accordance with the Police Force Act, elements which could lead to internal disciplinary actions being taken against certain officers involved in the incident that evening, are now being examined for an internal disciplinary committee to review and consider,” concludes the statement.