The escape of three inmates from Ambalatavoahangy central prison yesterday in Toamasina has highlighted the security vulnerabilities facing penitentiary facilities. In recent weeks, several prisons have experienced similar incidents, raising questions about surveillance systems and resources available to prison services.
Yesterday at 8:45 a.m., three detainees attempted to escape from Ambalatavoahangy prison. According to the Justice Ministry, they used a staircase belonging to a company contracted for work at the facility. Two were recaptured, while the third fled successfully. During the intervention, one fugitive was shot in the pelvis and died from his injuries despite receiving medical care. The second escapee was subdued and returned to detention. An investigation is underway and prison authorities have announced enhanced security measures.
The still-wanted inmate is Éric Joël, 32, from Mahanoro. A security guard living near FLM Mangarano in Toamasina, he was serving time for armed robbery after being reincarcerated on October 14, 2022. He is 1.65 meters tall, of average build, has curly hair and brown eyes, and bears a scar on his left hand.
The Ambalatavoahangy incident follows several escapes and escape attempts across the country. In Morondava, an escaped prisoner was intercepted by police on August 25 around 9 p.m. during a roadside check at Bemanonga. In Antsiranana, four inmates from Andaloasy penal camp fled on August 19 after a mutiny and attack on facility officials, who were injured but not critically. In Imerintsiatosika, an escape on August 7 from the House of Force led to disciplinary measures, with fifteen prison officers suspended for security breaches. That inmate has since been found.
These repeated incidents raise questions about prison security and oversight of people and companies working within facilities. At Ambalatavoahangy, the use of a contractor's staircase illustrates risks from external interventions in highly secured sites. Beyond physical resources, inmate surveillance and adherence to security procedures remain central concerns. Justice Minister Fanirisoa Ernaivo previously stated that the law tolerates no distinctions and public service integrity must be preserved.
Searches continue for Éric Joël. Anyone with information is urged to contact authorities or the nearest prison facility.