Accused of stabbing a young man to death during a party at Lac Iarivo, four individuals have been acquitted due to lack of evidence.
Acquittal on the benefit of the doubt. On Tuesday, the Ordinary Criminal Court of Anosy delivered its verdict in a murder case that occurred at Lac Iarivo. Four young men stood in the dock.
The trial took place in Courtroom 4. The incident dates back to the night of June 25 to 26, 2025, during a large festival held by the lake to celebrate Independence Day. The evening was in full swing, featuring water displays, fireworks, performances, a fair, bars, and a dense crowd. The atmosphere was festive.
It was amidst this excitement that a young man was stabbed by an individual wearing a hoodie, jeans, and a black fanny pack. A fight reportedly preceded the assault. The victim, seriously injured, was rushed to the Ambatolampy-Tsimahafotsy Basic Health Center (CSB II), where he was pronounced dead. The following day, his father filed a complaint. The investigation led to the arrest of the four suspects starting July 15. They had been held in pre-trial detention until the trial.
No motive
On the stand, each defendant denied the charges. One acknowledged his presence at the party but insisted he did not know the victim. He explained that he had only witnessed the fight involving the deceased and his friends. Two defense witnesses, including a local vendor, confirmed that he was with them at the time of the incident.
Another defendant knew the victim but denied any involvement. He admitted to having a minor dispute with him and threatening him verbally, but insisted he had no motive for revenge, even after his ox was stolen by unknown individuals.
The third defendant, according to the victim’s widow’s statement, was seen with a knife on June 25 while heading to the party. Before the court, he clarified that he was carrying a sickle, which he had just used to cut grass.
As for the last defendant, his lawyer pleaded for a full acquittal, noting that his client was at home with his family that night.
“The description of the killer is clear. However, none of the defendants match the description. There are no prosecution witnesses or evidence to designate them as guilty. The murder weapon was not found in their possession,” the lawyer emphasized. The prosecutor general also noted the lack of evidence.
Gustave Mparany
Captured & Published at: 2026-06-18 18:30:02 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/06/meurtre-au-lac-iarivo-quatre-accuses.html