Suspects shot dead. The case that deeply shocked public opinion has reached a tragic conclusion. Four men suspected of involvement in the gang rape, theft, and particularly violent murder of two young women, Haingotiana and Stéphanie, were fatally wounded Saturday morning in Ambohimanga Rova during a crime scene reconstruction. The reconstruction was intended to confront the four suspects' statements with physical evidence already gathered by investigators. However, the situation suddenly deteriorated when the four men, gathered at the location where the bodies had been abandoned, allegedly attempted to resist the police and gendarmes escorting them. According to information collected by investigators, one suspect allegedly tried to seize a police officer's handgun. Faced with this attempt, law enforcement used their weapons in self-defense, in accordance with legal provisions. The four suspects were seriously wounded. Despite first aid provided on site and their evacuation to a hospital, they did not survive their injuries.

Rapid investigation

The latest developments in this case were revealed Saturday, August 29, 2026, during a press conference held by authorities overseeing the investigation. This meeting with the press was conducted by the prosecutor of the Court of First Instance of Antananarivo, who provided details on the case's progress and operations conducted by law enforcement. According to information, the case began on August 21 after the disappearance of Haingotiana and Stéphanie, aged 17 and 21 respectively, who lived in Manjakaray. They left their home in the afternoon, saying they were going to see a film at Cinépax at Tana Water Front Ambodivona. Their disappearance report immediately led law enforcement to establish a joint investigation task force, involving notably the Central Police Station of Tsaralalàna and various specialized services. Two days later, on August 23, the bodies of both victims were found in Ambohimanga Rova. Initial findings revealed extremely serious injuries and numerous traces of blows inflicted with sharp objects. Autopsies were subsequently performed to determine precisely the circumstances of their death. The Criminal Brigade of the National Police of Anosy then intensified its investigations. Analysis of surveillance footage notably allowed investigators to trace the movements of the two young women. They had been seen boarding a black Chevrolet Cruze in the Tana Water Front parking lot. The vehicle was then spotted heading toward Sabotsy Namehana and then toward the sector where the bodies were discovered. On August 25, investigators found the vehicle and arrested its driver. A search of the car allegedly revealed traces of blood as well as clothing and shoes also presenting suspicious traces. Even more decisive, investigators allegedly found videos related to the events of August 21 on the suspect's phone. Telephone data allegedly also confirmed his presence in the sector at the time of the events. During questioning, the first suspect allegedly admitted his participation in the crime and implicated several of his acquaintances. Two other suspects were arrested on August 26 by the Criminal Brigade of the National Police. All allegedly, in turn, admitted their involvement in the events, according to investigators. The fourth suspect, arrested with the assistance of the National Gendarmerie, allegedly also admitted his participation. The statements of the four men presented, however, certain discrepancies on several details, which motivated the organization of a new reconstruction.

A premeditated crime?

The investigations reveal, according to investigators, a particularly violent scenario. The initial motive would be linked to the theft of money and phones, before the victims were subjected to sexual violence and then killed. Investigators allegedly also discovered that several objects likely used during the assault had been prepared in advance, notably knives, brass knuckles, and a screwdriver. Certain elements gathered during the investigation thus tend to support the hypothesis of a premeditated assault. The investigation had moreover uncovered the existence of videos of the events, kept by the suspects. These elements, added to physical traces found in the vehicle and telephone data, constitute important pieces of evidence in the case.