The investigation by the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) of Baie du Tombeau led by Sergeant Gujadhur into the theft of 395 tins can worth Rs 600,000 from a container at Morcellement Swan, Baie du Tombeau, came to a conclusion on Friday, September 10, with the arrest of Vimal Sookaul, 33, of Gros Cailloux. It is on the basis of certain information that these investigators traced the truck owner.
Initially, before the container of these cans was delivered to its importer in Baie du Tombeau, it was taken to a garage in Roche-Bois belonging to Vimal Sookaul. It remained there for three days where part of the goods were unloaded before being taken to a warehouse belonging to this truck owner in Cap-Malheureux. It was only on Tuesday 7 September that the goods were delivered to the importer.
The case dates back to Wednesday afternoon when a 63-year-old importer living in Baie du Tombeau reported the theft. The theft occurred between 4pm on Tuesday 7 September and noon on Wednesday 8 September. These 395 cans of Gold Crown tuna were stolen from the container which was placed in front of his warehouse. In addition to these tuna cans, cans of sardines, mushrooms and corn kernels were also stolen. As of Wednesday, he had not finished making a complete inventory. The Beaubassinois estimated the value of the recovered items at over Rs 1 million.
During the day on Thursday 9 September, the driver of the container truck was questioned at length by the CID. On the basis of the information he provided, it was possible to trace the case back to Vimal Sookaul. He was arrested at his home at around 4am on Friday 10 September. The suspect eventually confessed his guilt in the case.
The police investigation into the case is being conducted by Assistant Superintendent of Police Aniff Thug, the CID officer of the Metropolitan Police Northern Division. Vimal Sookaul was brought before the Port Louis Magistrates’ Court on Friday 10 September on a provisional charge of theft. He was released on bail.
