Appointment: a retired police officer at the head of the VIPSU

Satya Prakashsingh Seewoolall is the new head of the Very Important Security Unit (VIPSU). The return of this retired police officer at the head of the unit responsible for the protection of high-ranking personalities raises reservations among officers still in service.

The Very Important Security Unit (VIPSU), responsible for ensuring the protection of VVIPs and VIPs, is now headed by a retired police officer. Satya Prakashsingh Seewoolall was appointed Officer in Charge of this unit on a one-year contractual basis and took up his duties on July 17.

Satya Prakashsingh Seewoolall is no stranger to VIPSU. A former member of Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam's close guard during his previous mandates, he is returning to the unit's headquarters in Vacoas, where he succeeds Superintendent of Police (SP) Mahendradeosingh Surnam.

The latter, who led the VIPSU since Navin Ramgoolam's return to power in November 2024, was assigned to the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU). Before taking command of the VIPSU, he was in charge of the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) of the Southern Division.

The appointment of Satya Prakashsingh Seewoolall, however, arouses reactions within the police force. Several officers question the use of retirees to occupy positions of responsibility when executives still in service believe they can assume these functions.

“Does anyone know who knows what their post is? Nek fer ban retrete vinn responsab. Given without politeness if it deserves. “We can’t do anything without it,” laments an officer on duty.

According to several police sources, the VIPSU has seen the return of several retired officers since the change of government in November 2024. The latter were recruited on a contractual basis in order to join the team responsible for the Prime Minister's close security.

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