The mutilated body of a
one-year-old albino boy ,Yohana Bahati, who was snatched by an armed gang on 15
February, has been discovered in a Tanzanian forest and police believe the
toddler's arms and legs were hacked off so they could be used in witchcraft
rituals.
His mother was slashed with a machete during the abduction and
is in a critical condition in hospital, while his two siblings - who also
suffer from a lack of pigment in their hair, eyes and skin - are under police
protection.
Despite the Tanzanian government introducing a ban on witch
doctors, who claim charms and spells made using albino body parts bring wealth
and good luck, at least 70 people who suffer from albinism have been murdered
in the African country over the past 10 years.
According to the organisation, politicians could be behind the
spate of killings.
With an election coming up in October, it is thought some
candidates may be hiring sorcerers to make charms which will improve their luck
before the ballot.
Alvaro Rodriguez, the UN coordinator for Tanzania, said:
"Attacks against people with albinism can never be justified - not by
culture, tradition or religion.
"When will people in my country realise that organs of
persons with albinism will never make one wealthy, successful and win
elections?
"This could be a dangerous year for people living with
albinism."
On the Tanzanian black market, the entire corpse of an albino
person can sell for £49,000.
Police are continuing their search for Yohana's killers, and
have detained his father, who was close by when the abduction took place.
Photo credit: Provided by
Sky News
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