Joel, a married father of two boys, was found dead in Amboanjobe. His body showed signs of mutilation, according to witnesses. Joel's wife said she waited until midnight, hoping for his return.

A heinous crime shocked Amboanjobe yesterday morning. The lifeless body of Joel, a poultry trader living in Antsahabe, was discovered near Place de l'Amitié.

According to initial findings, signs of violence were visible on the remains. "At 7 a.m., I saw the body. The lower part was severely damaged, showing only bones. His hands were intact, but his thighs were heavily damaged, as if they had been gnawed," said a witness. According to him, traces of blood were found further away, suggesting Joel was killed elsewhere before being abandoned at the scene.

The location is quiet; neighboring houses are isolated and scattered. Surveillance cameras at a nearby residence, which could have provided clues, were not functioning.

Sum of Money

The victim's wife, Volatiana Françoise Domoinamalala, mother of two boys aged 4 years and 9 months, is still struggling to comprehend what happened. "He always leaves at 5 a.m. and returns by 5 p.m. at the latest. Wednesday evening, we waited for him, but he didn't come back. That's not like him. He always tells us if he'll be away. I waited until midnight before closing the house," she said, visibly distressed.

She explained that her husband, a former security agent turned poultry trader, carried a substantial sum of money after his sales. "He could have had 350,000 ariary on him. My mother-in-law told me he visited her Wednesday around 1:30 p.m. with only two chickens and a duck," she added.

The deceased's uncle also described the circumstances of the discovery. "When I arrived, I recognized Joel. His body had wounds, particularly around the neck and side, as well as significant injuries to the lower part of his body," he explained.

Gendarmes and doctors conducted initial investigations before allowing the family to make a decision. "We were asked if we wanted an autopsy. We preferred to take the body directly," the uncle continued.

In his forties, Joel was known in his neighborhood as an appreciated poultry seller.

Gustave Mparany