Antananarivo is again the target of a heinous act of kidnapping. Since the end of May, about eight young women have been kidnapped in the Malagasy capital. In most cases, they reappear a few hours or days later.
No thefts, no sexual violence and no serious injuries. But tests carried out on the victims revealed traces of drugs such as amphetamine, methamphetamine, cocaine and opiates, according to the Ministry of Health. The cases of missing girls in recent days in the Malagasy capital have left the authorities speechless. The circumstances of the disappearance are similar. They are women aged between 15 and 25, all kidnapped either by force or by diversion, by people travelling in black 4X4 vehicles with tinted windows. A few days after their disappearance, they are left abandoned by the same vehicle in a state of unconsciousness for the most part.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Public Health, the victims were drugged, either by inhaling a soaked handkerchief or by absorbing a mixture of products that could cause a loss of consciousness. Drugged and traumatised, they all show calm behaviour while sleeping, but are extremely agitated when awake. They find it difficult to recognise their loved one and speak out of turn. For the moment, their condition does not allow them to be questioned about the situation.
Police on the look-out
But a joint police cell has been set up specifically to try to shed light on these events, which are beginning to cause concern in the city. Security measures have been announced. “These measures will particularly affect schools in collaboration with the Antananarivo school district. Teams of patrols will multiply surveillance in public places as well as in the entry and exit points of the capital,” reassured the director general of the national police, Rakotozanany Danny Marius.
A joint investigation was opened by the specialised services, namely the criminal brigade, the juvenile police, the cybercrime service, the drugs police and the urban police.
A toll-free number was set up on Friday to register complaints and gather information about suspicious events or vehicles of concern. The Presidency calls for the utmost vigilance and promises heavy penalties for criminals.
