The escape of three inmates from the Ambalatavoahangy central prison in Toamasina yesterday has highlighted the security flaws facing penitentiary institutions. In recent weeks, several prisons have been affected by similar incidents, raising questions about surveillance mechanisms and the resources available to prison services.
Yesterday at 8:45 a.m., three inmates attempted to escape from the Ambalatavoahangy prison. According to the Ministry of Justice, they used a staircase belonging to a company contracted for construction work at the facility. Two were apprehended, while the third managed to flee. During the intervention, one of the fugitives was shot in the pelvis and later succumbed to his injuries. The second escapee was subdued and returned to custody. An investigation is underway, and prison authorities have announced a strengthening of security measures.
The fugitive still at large is Éric Joël, 32, from Mahanoro. A security guard residing near FLM Mangarano in Toamasina, he was serving a sentence for armed robbery. He is 1.65m tall, of medium build, with frizzy hair, brown eyes, and a scar on his left hand.
The Ambalatavoahangy incident follows several other escapes or attempted escapes across the country, including in Morondava, Antsiranana, and Imerintsiatosika. These recurring incidents raise concerns about the security of penitentiary facilities and the oversight of external companies working within their premises. Minister of Justice Fanirisoa Ernaivo has emphasized that the integrity of public service must be maintained and that no negligence will be tolerated.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-05 06:09:13 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/evasions-repetition-les-failles-de.html