A major crackdown in Betroka district. Presidential guard units deployed as tactical reinforcement in sensitive southern zones achieved a significant breakthrough over the weekend. A dangerous network of kidnappers specializing in tracking and abducting people with albinism has been dismantled, or nearly so. The investigation, conducted in coordination with local authorities and the judiciary, resulted in the arrest of 16 people, including 15 civilians and one active-duty gendarme. The operation, executed with surgical precision following intelligence provided by the local fokonolona, took place in a remote hideout in rural Betroka commune. After several hours of pursuit and investigation in the rugged southern terrain, the criminals were caught. Arrests followed in succession: Lamboary, a private school teacher in Betroka, and Abriol, a laboratory technician at Betroka hospital, were first apprehended on site. Their statements led to Mahaleontany Jean Pierre, known as "Maire," residing in Ihosy, then to Fihavy Osman and Franklin. These individuals identified two gendarmes stationed in Manombo as the masterminds.

Attack in Mahabo

Fihavy Osman's confessions revealed a tragedy that occurred in Mahabo months earlier. During an attack on the victim's home to abduct the young albino child, the boy's father was shot dead after stabbing one of the attackers. The abducted child was then held captive. He tragically fell seriously ill and died during his captivity. Fihavy Osman led investigators to the burial site. Upon exhumation, authorities found the small body's eyes were missing. Fihavy Osman confessed that, on orders, the skull of the deceased child had been split with an axe to extract the eyeballs. These were preserved in crushed charcoal and plastic bags. Investigation and manhunt operations continue locally to identify other network members. All arrested suspects have been transferred to Antananarivo for further questioning before prosecution. The Presidency reiterated its zero tolerance policy toward these heinous crimes.