Death for Tanzania albino killers

A court in north-western Tanzania has sentenced three men to death by hanging for killing a 14-year-old albino boy. They were found guilty of attacking Matatizo Dunia and severing his legs in Bukombe district in Shinyanga province.

Albino body parts are used in potions sold by witchdoctors promising wealth. Tanzania has seen an unprecedented rise in the killings in recent years. Dozens of people have been arrested, but the justice system is notoriously slow and this is the first conviction. There are 50 other cases of killings of albino people before the courts. The Tanzanian government has publicly stated its desire to end the killings.

In March, President Jakaya Kikwete called on Tanzanians to come forward with any information they might have. In July a court in neighbouring Burundi sentenced one person to life in prison and eight others to jail for the murder of albino people whose remains were sold in Tanzania. There are estimated to be about 17,000 albino people living in Tanzania. They lack pigment in their skin and appear pale. (Info source:  BBC.co.uk)