The judiciary is taking action against a surge in kidnappings. Eleven people have been remanded in custody following the opening of ten cases, several involving minor victims. Republic Prosecutor Narindra Navalona Rakotoniaina announced yesterday that eleven of sixteen suspects implicated in abduction cases have been placed in preventive detention, with men held at Tsiafahy and women at Antanimora, as stated by the prosecutor of the Republic, head of the Anosy court.
Since early July, ten cases have been registered by the public ministry, with eight involving minor victims. The abductors operate in various ways. They snatch children from their parents' arms, take advantage of playtime in courtyards, or lure younger children with sweets and balloons.
Thanks to residents' vigilance, the perpetrators were arrested. Prosecutor Rakotoniaina urges parents to exercise extreme caution and never leave their children unattended to prevent further abductions.
Meanwhile, the case of an albino child's murder in Ankiambe, Toliara, was presented to the Anosy court in June. All identified suspects were then imprisoned, but some alleged accomplices remained at large.
Law enforcement finally arrested a foreign national, owner of a precious stone mining company in Ilakaka, suspected of ordering the crime. He was brought before the court on Tuesday, July 21, and placed in preventive detention at Tsiafahy. According to the Republic Prosecutor, the investigation revealed the murder was motivated by superstitious beliefs. "The perpetrators believed that using albino children's organs would bring prosperity to their activities and lead to precious stone discoveries," the prosecutor explained.
NATIONAL MOURNINGFriday, July 24 declared national day of mourning
Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, president of the Refoundation of the Republic, declared Friday, July 24 a national day of mourning throughout Madagascar. This decision was made "in memory of victims of abductions and murders committed to destabilize the political situation of the Malagasy State," according to a statement from the Presidency of the Refoundation of the Republic released yesterday evening.
Several measures will be implemented during this day of mourning. National flags will be flown at half-mast throughout the territory. Public celebrations and events will also be prohibited. Establishments serving alcohol must close their doors. The national day of mourning will be a paid public holiday.