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Press Releases
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Swahili investigation: Ritual killings of albinos in Tanzania continue
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Albinos are being killed for the purposes of witchcraft in Tanzania, despite government efforts to protect them, a µώµώ°δΜύ³§·Ι²Ή³σΎ±±τΎ± investigation has revealed.
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Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Swahili has found that since March 2008, when Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete announced a crackdown on witchdoctors and their clients, there have been 25 new victims of killings of people with albinism, the last one of which was a seven-month-old baby.
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While 173 witchdoctors have been arrested since the crackdown, no legal action has been brought against them and they continue to operate.
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A combination of blood, bones and hair taken from albinos is used to create a "magic potion" sold for US $2,000.
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These body parts are acquired either by exhuming their graves or by ordering their killings.
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The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Swahili investigation shows that police are largely blamed for being part of the witchdoctors' clientele.
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The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ has spoken to the Mwanza Regional Police in Tanzania and Inspector Mahiga from the Community Policing Department has refuted claims of police conniving with witchdoctors.
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Instead, police are blaming the crime on a culture of secrecy by local community –
the Sukumas who are reluctant to give evidence in court for fear of reprisals.
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The report will feature on the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Swahili programmes Dira Ya Dunia (15.30 GMT, 18.30 EAT Monday to Friday) and Amka na Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ (03.00 GMT, 06.00 EAT Monday to Friday).
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To listen online and read the full story, go to bbcswahili.com.
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Notes to Editors
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Albinism (from Latin albus, "white") is a form of hypopigmentary congenital disorder, characterised by a partial or total lack of melanin pigment in the eyes, skin and hair.
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Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service Publicity
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