In a month and a half, 107 people reported missing have been found. Among them, ten had simulated their own kidnapping, according to the Tsaralalàna Command Center.
At the Tsaralalàna Command Center, every missing person report continues to mobilize resources. Ten individuals recently claimed to have been kidnapped, before investigations revealed that they had actually gone into hiding or left their homes voluntarily.
These fake kidnappings are part of the 181 disappearances recorded by the Center between July 1 and August 16. Of this total, 107 people have been found. Among the reports, 151 were classified as worrying disappearances, 23 as runaways, and seven as kidnappings. Some kidnapping cases resulted in deaths, while one remains unsolved following a ransom demand.
Investigators emphasize that the lack of follow-up by some families complicates search efforts, as they do not always report the return of the missing persons or fail to provide updates to police authorities.
The recorded cases take various forms. Children or young people flee following family conflicts or parental separations, sometimes to join a relative without notice. Adults also leave their homes without explanation, leading to reports of worrying disappearances. National statistics show that minors, particularly young girls, were the most numerous to disappear in July. In August, adults were more affected.
The recent case of a resident of Ambohimanambola is an example of a voluntary departure. Reported missing on July 28, this 42-year-old man reappeared the next day. He explained that he had spent two days at his ex-wife’s home to visit his children and had knowingly hidden his presence from his current wife. His former partner admitted to having lied during her initial hearing.
The man stated he became frightened upon learning that law enforcement had launched a search and decided to hide. He was questioned by investigators, who confirmed that no kidnapping had taken place. The case had been entrusted to the Ambohimanambola gendarmerie. The Command Center continues its investigations into dozens of pending files.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-19 05:53:48 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/disparitions-volontaires-les-enqueteurs.html