Killings of people with albinism resurface in Tanzania

By Our Correspondent,  BUKOBA Tanzania 

19 days since the child with albinism, Asimwe Novath (2) was abducted by unknown people from her mother's arms, her mutilated body was found wrapped in a plastic sheet.

The incident of Asimwe being forcefully taken from her mother's arms took place on May 30, 2024 in Bulamula Village, Kamachumu Ward, Muleba District in Kagera Region.

Speaking on Monday June 17, 2024, the Administrative Secretary of Muleba District in the region, Benjamin Mwikasyege, confirmed that the child's body has been found, with some of her organs (without mentioning them) chopped off.

Mwikasyege said the child's mutilated body was found under one of the culvert located on Makongora road, Kabyonda Township, Balele Village, Ruhanga District, Muleba District in the region.

In Tanzania, some 75 albinos were reported killed between 2000 and 2016.

The killings that are associated with witchcrafty and believed to have hands of politicians, fishermen and goldminers dwindled for almost ten years.

Tanzania is preparing for grassroots election later this year and general election in 2025.

There have also been reports of albino killings in South Africa, although such crimes are less common there than in Malawi, Tanzania and Burundi.