Madagascar: the capital shaken by a series of strange kidnappings of young women
Street in downtown Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar.
Wikimedia/Bernard Gagnon/CC
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
Since the end of May, eight young women have been kidnapped in the Malagasy capital before reappearing a few hours or a few days later, drugged, completely disoriented and visibly traumatized.
A mixed police cell was created especially to try to shed light on these events which are beginning to create psychosis in the city.
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With our correspondent in Antananarivo,
Sarah Tétaud
Eight young women, aged 15 to 25, with no connection between them, have been abducted in turn in recent days, in broad daylight or at nightfall, in different districts of the capital.
If the capture of young women remains visibly discreet, their release was sometimes done in front of witnesses.
The victims would be “
thrown unceremoniously on the sidewalk – according to the first elements of the investigation – out of a black 4x4 with tinted windows.
»
Hospitalized, the victims all exhibit a calm behavior during their sleep, but extremely agitated during their waking phase, with no sign of improvement after several days of hospitalization.
They still do not recognize their loved ones and make very disjointed remarks, several days after their abduction.
Their condition has so far not allowed a thorough hearing from the investigators.
traces of drugs
The first blood tests carried out revealed traces of opium derivatives and amphetamines on at least four of the victims.
The first findings seem to rule out sexual violence.
About twenty police officers from among others the criminal brigade, that of the protection of minors or cybercrime are currently carrying out the investigations.
They should be reinforced by members of the gendarmerie, as the Prime Minister announced on Friday evening.
No ransom demand was requested from the families.
A toll-free number was opened on Friday to register complaints and gather any information.
The surroundings of schools in the capital have been reinforced by the presence of the police.
The presidency calls for the greatest vigilance, and promises heavy penalties against criminals.
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Madagascar
Crime