Woman beaten and burned by mob

This photo, which circulated on social media, was blurred by FRANCE 24.

“Thieves” beaten by mobs

A police station set alight

Our Observers says this is far from new and explains some of the root causes, including rampant insecurity and a lack of faith in the justice system. He says changing people’s behaviour would require immense resources, which just aren’t available.The media in Madagascar has reported multiple cases of mob justice over the past two weeks. The exact date of each event varies depending on the source and thus can’t be established with certitude.In late October, an angry mob beat and burned a woman to death in Mananjary, located on the eastern coast of Madagascar. Local media reported that the mob turned on police officers who tried to intervene on the woman’s behalf.The rioters accused the woman of having thrown pork meat into a space considered sacred by the Antambahoakas, a local ethno-religious group that has some customs similar to those of Islam.Three men apparently found in possession of stolen human remains were attacked by an angry mob in Vatomandry, which is also on the east coast of Madagascar, though it is located farther north than Mananjary. One of the men was killed A similar incident took place in Amboangibe, which is located in northern Madagascar. An angry mob went after four men accused of stealing money and vanilla from a local merchant. The four men were all killed . Once again, no law enforcement officers intervened.In Mampikony, in northern Madagascar, an angry mob stormed a police station and a jail with the idea of lynching two men – twins – who had been arrested on suspicions of murder.When police prevented the mob from lynching the two prisoners, the angry citizens sought revenge by setting the police station and jail alight. They also torched several vehicles as well as the homes of some of the officers. One person is reported to have died in the incident while four others were wounded.