Albino Skin, Hair and Bones Used for Magic Potions

Witchdoctors in Tanzania are selling the skin, hair and bones of albinos to be used in magic potion.  No, we’re not talking about albino snakes or other white animals with pink eyes, but humans.  Tanzanian officials have recently reported that 19 albino people, including children, have been tragically killed, mutilated in the name of the illegal trade, within the past year.  It’s a trend that has officials worried for the safety of the albinos. 

It is a common belief in Africa that albinos carry magical powers.  Body parts are sold by witchdoctors as ingredients for a magic potion that is supposed to bring wealth the customer.  Unfortunately for the victims, it is hard for them to hide their pale skin in a country that is predominantly black.

Albiniism is a hypopigmentary congenital disorder, characterized by a lack of melanin pigment in the eyes, skin and hair resulting from the inheritance of recessive alleles.  The condition affects one out of 3,000 people in Africa.  Samuel Mluge is one of the odd 3,000 and lives his life in fear.  “I feel like I am being hunted” he says.

The Tanzanian government has increased efforts to protect the already small albino population.  Before, the albino’s biggest threat was the sun, as the majority die of skin cancer before the age of 30.  Now they have discriminated against and hunted down.

Authorities are currently developing lists of every albino within the country and are offering their help to protect them.  Albino children are escorted to school by officers and the Tanzanian Parliament has even gone so far as to sponsor an albino women to show their support for them.

Tanzanian government spokesman, Salvator Rweyemamu, is optimistic and hopeful that the changes will positively affect the country’s society saying, “this is serious because it continues some of the perceptions of Africa we’re trying to run away from.

Kenya also has a similar problem.  An albino woman was found in late May.  Her eyes, tongue and breasts were torn out.  There have also been reports of albino skin being sold in Congo.

17 year old Vumilia Makoye was attacked in her home with her family.  An albino, she was forced to drop out of school due to severe case of near-sightedness, a common albino problem.  Unable to find a job, she earned a living of $2 per week selling peanuts. 

As the family ate dinner one night, two men arrived yielding long knives while the family was eating dinner.  Her mother, Jeme, saw the men and tried to hold them back, but they quickly overpowered her.  Jeme recalls the tragedy, “They cut my daughter quickly.”  She said this while imitating their movements with her hands.  Vuilia’s legs were sawed off above the knee.  She was left to die legless.

Many albinos turn to the aid of the Tanzanian Albino Society.  Unfortunately, the group only operates on $15,000 a year.  The organization cant even afford to provide protective clothing, sunscreen and hats for the albinos at that price. 

Al Shaymaa J. Kwegyir, of the Tanzanian Parliament, ironically states, “People think we’re lucky.  That’s why theyr’e killing us, but we’re not lucky.”

Police officials believe that the albino killings have been inspired by Nigerian movies that depict witchcraft.  Commissioner Paul Chagonja says, “These witch doctors have many strange beliefs…There was a rumor not so long ago that if you use a bald head when fishing, you’ll get rich.  There was another one that said f you spread blood on the ground in a mine, you’ll find gold.  These rumors come and go.  The problem is, the people who follow witch doctors don’t question them.”

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