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Press Releases
BBC 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 BBC Swahili investigation has revealed.
BBC 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.
While 173 witchdoctors have been arrested since the crackdown, no legal action has been brought against them and they continue to operate.
A combination of blood, bones and hair taken from albinos is used to create a "magic potion" sold for US $2,000.
These body parts are acquired either by exhuming their graves or by ordering their killings.
The BBC Swahili investigation shows that police are largely blamed for being part of the witchdoctors' clientele.
The BBC 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.
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.
The report will feature on the BBC Swahili programmes Dira Ya Dunia (15.30 GMT, 18.30 EAT Monday to Friday) and Amka na BBC (03.00 GMT, 06.00 EAT Monday to Friday).
To listen online and read the full story, go to bbcswahili.com.
Notes to Editors
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.
BBC World Service Publicity
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