VICTORIA, Seychelles — A senior prison officer testified before the Commission of Inquiry into the Montagne Posee prison riot on Monday, alleging that inmates held him hostage during the violent uprising of December 5 and 6, 2024, which left two inmates dead and caused widespread destruction within the facility. Chief Inspector Wilfred Radegonde of the Seychelles Prison Services told the commission he was physically restrained on three separate occasions when he attempted to leave the male block. The Commission of Inquiry is chaired by Justice Alfred Mavedze with commissioners Melchior Vidot and Vic Tirant.
The testimonies emerging from the inquiry are of direct public concern because they illuminate the conditions and command failures that allowed a major security breakdown to occur inside Seychelles’ principal correctional facility. Two inmates died during the riot and significant property was destroyed, raising urgent questions about prison management practices, staffing levels, and the adequacy of training provided to officers. The inquiry’s findings are expected to inform reforms that could prevent future incidents and protect both inmates and staff.
Chief Inspector Radegonde alleged that inmate Rio Rath pushed him against a wall on three separate occasions when he attempted to leave the male block, causing him to hit his left shoulder. He said he was later escorted out through several gates by two inmates before another inmate set him free near a watchtower, according to his testimony before the commission. A Nepali officer stationed in the tower then unlocked the main gate, allowing him to reach the administration block where ambulances were waiting. He was subsequently taken to the Anse Boileau clinic after his blood pressure rose to 101 during the ordeal.
Earlier testimony came from Sergeant Tonyjo Juliette, who confirmed he was on duty on December 5 but was at home when the riot first broke out before being recalled by Inspector Ivan Nicholas as the situation escalated. Sergeant Juliette acknowledged that CCTV cameras at the prison were not functioning at the time of the riot, a fact he said had been reported to Inspector Nicholas. He also disclosed that numerous prohibited items were discovered during subsequent searches, including mobile phones, machetes, small knives, and sharpened pieces of wood fitted with nails.
The commission questioned Sergeant Juliette about inconsistencies in his testimony regarding the timeline of events across December 5 and 6, and Commissioner Vidot reminded him that providing false testimony before the commission would amount to a criminal offence. Chief Inspector Radegonde described former Prison Commissioner Janet Georges as strict but calm in her management style. The inquiry is examining the full chain of command and the decisions taken in the hours before and during the riot, including the placement of inmate Stephen Mondon in an isolation cell, which witnesses allege triggered the unrest.
The Commission of Inquiry is expected to continue hearing testimony from further witnesses as it works toward a comprehensive account of the events surrounding the Montagne Posee prison riot.
