Valabhji couple’s residence |02 August 2022

Court sets hearing date for August 10

All parties in the case involving the property of Mukesh and Laura Valabhji made their written submission to the Supreme Court yesterday afternoon.

The presiding judge, Mohan Burhan, has now set August 10 as the date for the hearing.

Police Commissioner Ted Barbe, on behalf of the police, had filed a petition requesting that the court detain parcel B39, the residence property of Mukesh and Laura Valabhji at Morne Blanc, in relation to the ongoing firearms case.

The petition was filed under section 26 of the Prevention Terrorism Act 2004, which stipulates the seizure of weapons to be used for terrorism acts, including properties used for storing those weapons, taking into account that the Valabhji couple’s residence was used to store weapons for terrorism act.

Lawyers France Bonte and Samantha Aglae made the submission on behalf of Mukesh and Laura Valabhji respectively, while state counsel, Steven Powles, submitted on behalf of the police.

The residence of Mukesh and Laura Valabhji was raided by the police on November 18, 2021 where a large cache of fire arms, ammunitions and explosives were discovered.

The couple has been charged with the incident and they are still in custody.

Other persons also charged in the case are former high ranking army officer Leslie Benoiton, retired Brigadier and former Chief of the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF) Leopold Payet and retired lieutenant colonel and presidential chief security officer Frank Marie, who are both out on bail.

Patsy Canaya