Authorities in Antsiranana are conducting searches to locate four escaped convicts. Two prison officers were wounded during their breakout. Zafimanantsoa, Nihazomarina and Zolisy Rafanomezantsoa appear in the photograph. Velonaina's image was unavailable.
On Wednesday around 3 p.m., four inmates assigned to work detail at Andaloasy penal camp in Sadjoavato commune, Antsiranana II district, escaped. During their flight, they attacked two prison guards with knives.
Alerted to the situation, gendarmes from Sadjoavato and Ankarongana arrived to secure the area, assist the victims, and organize search operations. The wounded officers were transported to Tanambao University Hospital in Antsiranana for treatment.
The guards attempted to prevent the inmates' escape, but the detainees, armed with knives, struck them before fleeing. They failed to seize the guards' weapons. Prison authorities and gendarmes mobilized local communities and surrounding communes to establish roadblocks and intensify controls.
Search Alerts
Checkpoints were established at Anivorano-Nord and Andrafiabe to monitor vehicles heading toward Antsiranana and Ambilobe.
Search notices have been issued for each fugitive. Zolisy Rafanomezantsoa, approximately 22 years old, was sentenced to three years for attempted theft in an inhabited place. Velonaina, 30, a farmer from Sirama-Centre, was serving five years hard labor for cattle theft. Zafimanantsoa, about 24, a farmer, faced two years for assault and battery. Nihazomarina, 27, also a farmer, received two years for assault and bicycle theft.
Descriptions of the escapees have been circulated. Zolisy is 1.64 m tall, dark-skinned, with rectangular facial features and curly hair. Velonaina measures 1.68 m, has a tanned complexion, an elongated face and wavy hair. Zafimanantsoa is 1.75 m tall, with a yellowish complexion, oval face, kinky hair and visible tattoos on his left arm and right hand. Nihazomarina is 1.69 m tall, dark-skinned, with an oval face and short kinky hair.
Gustave Mparany