Police Recruitment and Vehicle Rentals Questioned in National Assembly
VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Seychelles Police Force has recruited 30 plainclothes officers since the current government came to power, Minister for Homeland Security and Civil Affairs James Camille told the National Assembly on Tuesday while responding to a Private Notice Question from opposition leader Bernard Georges. The minister also disclosed that the Police Force is renting 23 vehicles from nine companies at daily rates ranging between R500 and R1,500. The disclosures drew scrutiny from opposition benches over the cost and transparency of the arrangements.
The vehicle rental expenditure raises legitimate questions about the management of public funds at a time when the cost of living remains a concern for many Seychellois households. Daily rates reaching R1,500 per vehicle, multiplied across 23 vehicles and sustained over time, represent a significant recurrent cost for the state. Opposition leader Georges’ decision to raise the matter through a Private Notice Question reflects the assembly’s constitutional role in holding the executive to account on matters of public expenditure.
Minister Camille revealed that eight of the nine rental companies held contracts under the previous administration, while one, Panse Unique, joined in April this year, according to his response to the assembly. The vehicle breakdown includes cars from Don Car Hire, Petit Loto, Alpha Car Rental, C and J Car Hire, Petit Car Hire, JL Car Hire, and Northern Buses, with daily rates disclosed for each supplier. Contracts are typically signed for one month, and agreements not exceeding R250,000 can be approved directly by the Commissioner of Police under the Procurement Act. Minister Camille also announced plans to establish an Internal Affairs section within his ministry to investigate complaints against police, prison, and fire service officers.
Most of the newly recruited plainclothes officers have joined specialised units such as the Criminal Investigation Department, intelligence, drug enforcement, and administrative departments, and include both men and women with ranks from constable to inspector. Five officers were recruited between January and May 2026. The minister was accompanied in the assembly by Commissioner of Police Godra Hermitte, Deputy Commissioner Ned Wirtzy, and Chief Superintendent James Tirant.
The assembly also heard that tinted windows on police vehicles require official approval, a detail raised during the session. The minister noted that the vehicle rental issue was not unique to the current administration, since eight of the nine suppliers had existing contracts from the prior government. Opposition members may seek further clarification on whether a longer-term fleet procurement strategy would reduce the recurrent cost of vehicle rentals for the national police force.
The National Assembly session highlighted the importance of parliamentary scrutiny in ensuring that operational decisions within the security services are subject to public accountability.
