Law enforcement has identified the suspected perpetrators in the death of an infant. The mother is the primary suspect. After ten days of investigation and thorough inquiries by authorities, it has been established that the mother of the infant is the main suspect in the murder of her own child, just over one month old, in Antanetibe, Faratsiho district. A traditional healer, or mpimasy, and another woman are also implicated in the case. All three suspects are currently held in provisional detention at Antsirabe prison.

"Several people were initially suspected. But after thorough investigations, it was established that the child's mother was herself the perpetrator. She had frequent exchanges and meetings with a mpimasy and his accomplices. A close relationship existed between the mother and the mpimasy. It was following this relationship that the idea of killing her child apparently took root in her mind," explains a source within law enforcement in Antsirabe.

The events occurred in rural Faratsiho. On July 31st, the mother and her infant suddenly disappeared. Residents of the fokontany mobilized to search the village surroundings.

Weakened

The mother was eventually found sitting at the foot of a tree, about thirty meters from her home. The baby was wrapped in her clothes, but was already deceased. Following medical examination, it was determined that the child died as a result of violent blows struck with a stone.

The mother was relatively weakened. When questioned, she claimed that she and her child had been abducted. Faratsiho Hospital immediately provided medical care. She was later transferred to the Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona University Hospital (CHUJRA) in Ampefiloha. Meanwhile, investigations and information gathering conducted jointly by police and gendarmerie continued in Faratsiho.

"This woman was monitored by police during her hospitalization at HJRA. Her interrogation continued once her health was restored. She aroused suspicion because her accounts and answers to questions kept changing. Investigators then suspected she was herself responsible for her child's death. The murder was apparently committed at her home and she fled out of fear of consequences," indicates a source close to the investigation.

Investigators also searched for the mpimasy. He was found and implicated in the case. Another woman, related to the infant's mother, was also arrested and charged.

The investigation lasted about ten days. The case was presented to court last Wednesday. The three people involved are now in provisional detention.