Ex-police constable gives an insight into the PMU’s malpractice

Ex-police officer Gabelic Julius appeared in open session of yesterday’s hearing of the Truth, Reconciliation and National Unity Commission (TRNUC) as a witness in case 0943 filed by Antoine Bill, regarding allegations of abuse by the Police Mobile Unit (PMU).

He also acted as a general witness, giving evidence on the structure and daily running of the PMU at that time.

Mr Julius explained it was a Friday in 1988, when the complainant – Antoine Bill – was celebrating his 18th birthday at Ty-Foo and was ran over by PMU vehicle.

He said on that particular day, the same patrol vehicle under the leadership of Corporal Donald Moumou, with driver Alex Esparon, Gerard Jean picked him at his post after his shift, and once at the barrack, while chatting, Mr Jean started to tell them about an earlier incident at Au Cap where they ‘allegedly killed someone’ by driving over his head.

At that time, Mr Julius did not know who the victim was, but later learned that it was Antoine Bill who is his own cousin.

Mr Jean told him that upon reaching a shop belonging to Marcel Desaubin, not far from Ty-Foo, they stopped the vehicle to check if the person was moving and upon seeing no reaction, they took off, thinking that he was dead.

Mr Julius explained that as police officers, they were responsible to ensure safety, peace and order, therefore they should have stopped and checked on the victim, instead of driving away.

He said he believed that they hit Mr Bill on purpose, due to the fact that they did not stop to check, or seek for any medical attention.

He added that the incident was not even reported in the occurrence book.

Following the incident, Mr Bill managed to drag himself until he reached a house belonging to a nurse who called the ambulance.

Mr Julius also told the commission that after knowing that he was related to the victim, a string of victimisation against him started and he was only given day shifts, so that he would have limited access to the barrack.

He said he searched his barrack each time he came back from duty to check that nothing illegal was planted on him.

Mr Julius explained to the commission that on several occasions, Mr Bill’s mother went to see the Commissioner of Police regarding the incident at that time but to no avail.

He said instead of investigating the matter, the Police Commissioner offered her money to keep her silent.

Speaking about the PMU back in the days, Mr Julius explained that it was corrupted, without any discipline.

He said orders were being given by anyone with a rank, while the force itself was divided.

Source: Seychelles Nation