Tanzanian authorities have detained 65 individuals accused of practicing witchcraft in connection with the ritual murder of at least 10 children, according to a report from March 2019.
The victims, aged between 3 and 10 years old, were killed in January 2019, with multiple cases involving the removal of body parts. The Njombe region in southern Tanzania and the Simuyu region in the north reported the highest concentrations of these crimes.
Local authorities cited a persistent belief in some communities that human body parts, particularly those of individuals with albinism, hold supernatural value for achieving wealth and prosperity. This belief has fueled a pattern of violent crimes against vulnerable groups.
Inspector General of Police Simon Sirro announced new regulations requiring all traditional healers to obtain official licenses. He emphasized collaboration with religious leaders and political figures to address the issue, stating, "We have also requested other institutions like religious leaders and politicians to help us."
A 5-year-old boy named Goodluck Mfugale from Njombe was among the victims. His parents told the BBC that their son's life was cut short by these atrocities. While activists note that people with albinism are disproportionately targeted, investigators have not confirmed if any of the 10 identified victims had the condition.
Research from 2006 indicates that 1 in 1,400 Tanzanians have albinism, compared to 1 in 20,000 in Western nations. Poverty and superstition are cited as key factors driving these crimes, with some perpetrators allegedly selling body parts for large sums of money.
