This Blog's Guiding Maxim:-

"The person who shies at the possibility of increased responsibilities or at the prospect of future uncertainties is hardly worthy of life itself, for life consists of uncertainties, problems and challenges of various types."

Check out the Site:

Under the Same Sun - A site out to fight the cause of the Albinos

Contact Me:

You can contact the blog editor through this e-mail address: (ritchmbuthia at gmail dot com)

Friday, March 6, 2015

War Declared on Albino Killers

THE government and the Tanzania Albino Society (TAS) have agreed to form a committee that will comprise members from both parties, traditional doctors and all major stakeholders that will come up with a joint strategy to end the killings of albinos in the country.
This decision was reached when TAS leaders led by their chairman, Mr Ernest Kimaya, met President Jakaya Kikwete at the State House where the former presented their recommendations to the president.... War Against Albino Killers Declared

Four Albino Killers face Death Sentence


From left: Nassoro Charles, Singu Nsiantemi, Masaru Kahindi and Ndahanya Lumola, who were yesterday sentenced to death for the brutal murder of an albino woman in 2008

 The husband of a 32-year-old woman with albinism is among four men sentenced to death for her 2008 killing in Nyamaruru Village. Zawadi Magindu’s attackers, who included her husband Nassoro Charles, cut her limbs and right hand with an axe and a machete.

High Court Judge Joacquine Demello ruled that the prosecution had proved beyond reasonable doubt that the four committed the murder.

The killers are Nassoro Charles, a resident of Beda Village in Kagera Region, Masaru Kahindi of Nyamaruru Village in Geita Region, Ndahanya Lumola whose origin was not stated, and Singu Nsiantemi from Kakoyoyo Village in Bukombe District.
The four attacked the woman at 7pm as she ate dinner. Kahindi, a neighbour, and Magindu’s husband were armed with an axe and a machete. They chopped off her legs and right hand.

Said the Judge: “The attackers also beat and threw out of the house the mother of the deceased, Ms Magdalena Mashimba, and her granddaughter, Semen Hamisi. As they beat the elderly woman, her granddaughter--who was hiding behind the door--identified the attackers and their voices since there was moonlight on that night.”...
Get the Rest of the Story

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

EDITORIAL - THE CITIZEN NEWSPAPER:

 Put an End to Albino Killings Now, Please!

The killing of people with albinism, ostensibly for their body parts, is a crime so heinous that we must do all we can to bring it to an end. It is disturbing that there is an air of desperation around this subject, with more lamenting than working out a plan of action to save these precious lives.
Members of the association of people with albinism see complacence on the part of the government. Why, they ask, does the expertise applied in catching killers of individuals “who matter” not come into force when superstitious thugs attack and dismember them?
The argument is that people whose level of thinking leads them to believe albino parts provide potent charms for quick riches and power do not have the sophistication to evade our generally well trained police. Such small brains are certain to leave behind trails that our police can follow and bring them to book.  Yet reports show that since 2000, there have been at least 74 albinos killings and 58 brutal attacks in which people have lost limbs or have been left permanently scarred. There are many unanswered questions on how many arrests and convictions have been made. As President Kikwete himself said in his February month-end speech, the attacks on albinos are a disgrace. How much anger must we whip up in order to get these killers behind bars?
In August 2010, police arrested a Kenyan at a guest house in Mwanza with an albino compatriot he wanted to sell to a willing Tanzanian buyer. Kenyan MP Isaac Mwaura,  who has albinism, told Radio Deutsche Welle recently that in his country, albinos are referred to as “Bongo”, a moniker for Tanzania.
In some countries, albinos are given special protection. This is not a matter for debate. We have no choice but to end this barbaric scourge. All citizens, regardless of what they look like, deserve a guarantee that they will be protected.
Editorial Can be Read Here 

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Albinos 'Want Their Killers Executed'

A DELEGATION of people with albinism through the Tanzania Albinism Society (TAS) is expected to meet President Jakaya Kikwete on Thursday, this week, in which among others, will request the president to put into effect the death penalty on convicted albino killers.

"There are about seven people who are on death row...READ THE REST HERE

President Pledges Crackdown on Albino Killings

Tanzania's President Jakaya Kikwete promised to end a wave of killings of albinos, saying the witchcraft-related murders were shaming his east African nation.

Activists say attackers have killed at least 75 albinos in Tanzania since 2000 to use their body parts in rituals...READ THE REST HERE

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Stop Albino Killings!



It is times like these that one loses his head. Why? Close your eyes for a bit and picture the dismembered body of an albino toddler. His crime? He was an albino. 

Can anyone explain to me why in this day and age people are hunted by fellow man and slaughtered?
Life, human life, is sacred and no one has the right to snuff out another’s life no matter the reason.

The recrudescence of the killings of people with albinism in an age when the rule of law is championed left, right and centre and human rights activism is at its best leaves, so much to be desired.

When people have the temerity to engage in the trade of albino body parts oblivious of the consequences speaks volumes about how people’s hearts are growing colder by the day.

What is fuelling the killings of our brothers and sisters? Why does it seem as if nothing is being done about the plight of people living with albinism?

For how long will fear be allowed to rule people who live in a free country – a country that prides itself as a haven of peace?

For how long will witchcraft and witchdoctors hold this country at ransom as they prescribe the body parts of people living with albinism – planting seeds of discord, disunity and faithlessness in fellow man?

Such questions cram the mind and can lead one to insanity – but I know I must be levelheaded!

Something needs to be done real fast.

Every Government Must Protect Its Citizens: The Tanzania Albinism Society

MESSAGE FROM THE TANZANIA ALBINISM SOCIETY:

 
After another horrific killing of our little brother Yohana Bahati, only 18 month old, our partner the Salif Keita Foundations also calls for action:

"We apologize for the graphic photo, but this is the evil that ignorance and violence produce.

Every government must protect their citizens from violent acts against their person regardless of race, gender, religion or any other reason.

Stand with us and call your national Tanzania consulate and tell them you care about albino lives and to end the violence against people with albinism now!"


WARNING! THE PHOTO BELOW IS GRAPHIC: 
The dismembered remains of an 18-month ALBINO TODDLER found in Tanzania.


Saturday, February 21, 2015

Albinos Plan Demonstration

PEOPLE living with albinism yesterday announced their intention to demonstrate peacefully next month to push the government to intensify the crackdown on criminals who abduct and kill innocent people whose only ‘fault’ is being melanin deficient.
The National Chairman of the Tanzania Albinism Society (TAS), Mr Ernest Kimaya, said the demonstrations, planned for March 2, are a response by the albinism-affected following the inhuman treatment meted on them spawning over a decade.
He noted with concern that some 76 people with albinism have been killed between 2005/2006 and this year; appealing for concentrated efforts to tackle the vice.
“We are now arranging the peaceful rally in which we would also like to meet President Jakaya Kikwete to tell him the ordeal that people with albinism go through,” Mr Kimaya said on the sidelines of a meeting between political parties and organisations of people with disabilities...READ THE REST

Friday, February 20, 2015

Albino Toddler Murdered and Mutilated

Women carrying their albino children in Dar es Salaam. (Photo courtesy of the Milliyet Daily).

Check out the Story when the Albino Toddler was Kidnapped.

The UN human rights chief harshly condemned the murder and mutilation of an albino toddler in Tanzania, demanding authorities protect albinos, whose body parts are used for witchcraft in the country.

"Violence and discrimination against people with albinism must be halted," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said in a statement, condemning "the horrific murder and mutilation of Yohana Bahati."

The one-year old boy was seized by men with machetes from his home in northern Tanzania's Chato district overnight Saturday, and his mother was badly injured in the attack.

Police found his body, with his arms and legs hacked off, on Tuesday.

Zeid said attacks on people with albinism, which are often motivated by the use of body parts for witchcraft rituals, had claimed the lives of at least 75 people since 2000.

He warned that the attacks seemed to be on the rise, with at least three incidents over the past two months.
"I call on the Tanzanian authorities to swiftly investigate and prosecute perpetrators of this terrible crime and to strengthen its protection measures for people with albinism," Zeid said.

The UN repeated its fears that the uptick in attacks against albinos could be linked to looming general and presidential elections in October 2015, as political campaigners may be turning to influential sorcerers to improve their odds.

"This is the year of elections in Tanzania and, as some analysts have suggested, it could be a dangerous year for people living with albinism," UN country chief Alvaro Rodriguez warned Wednesday.

Albino body parts sell for around $600 in Tanzania, with an entire corpse fetching $75,000, according to the UN.

Albinism is a hereditary genetic condition which causes a total absence of pigmentation in the skin, hair and eyes. It affects one Tanzanian in 1,400, often as a result of inbreeding, experts say. In the West, it affects just one person in 20,000.

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Mixed Reactions to the Story on the Kidnapping of an Albino Toddler

CHECK OUT THE STORY ON Another Albino Toddler Kidnapped


Wileharda says:
The Tanzanian Government is also to blame. They are not so serious in protecting the children. They always wait for little hand outs which then goes to government officials. If they were serious enough, they could find the people behind it. Imprison all the males, husbands. Only the woman are being attacked where are the guys. Its always the man who gets away with murder.
Second,
they should take all these children away and care for them as soon as they are born and protect them It should be mandatory. Even the top officials do go to these witch doctors to get promotions. Weak lows and not seriousnes of the government is to blame. They could find the people behind this if they wanted to. These are very small communities. neighbourhood watch if organized can solve the problem too.

............................................
 
Traveler says:
I am going to be culturally insensitive for a minute: Seriously, how backwards of a nation still believes in the power of their "sorcerers" to influence a presidential election? Or that they get power from the bodies of albinos? No matter how advanced things are in most of the world or how educated the world population becomes, you will likely always have pockets of backwards thinking people. 
.........................................
 
JessicaB says:
I did volunteer work in Tanzania two summers ago and I saw one of these children in a village we visited. One of our Tanzanian friends told me that parents with albino children are encouraged to send their children to a special government-run boarding school where they can be protected from people killing them for use in witchcraft. I feel so sorry for this poor mother and the other parents who have to go through this. 
.....................................
 
JD says: 
Maybe UNICEF or something could begin a program there to help these parents get out as soon as an albino baby is born? Maybe the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation or Warren Buffet's whatever he has could pop over there and set up something?

Or is it not just kidnappers but the parents who are selling the babies too?

This is horrible that these ignorant, savage, barbaric people believe in things like carving up albino babies and selling them for use in potions. 

Another Albino Toddler Kidnapped...

 An albino toddler has been kidnapped in northern Tanzania, police said, raising fears he may be killed and his body parts used for witchcraft.
Unknown attackers broke into the house and slashed the child's mother with machetes before snatching the one-and-half-year-old boy in the northern Tanzanian district of Chato late on Saturday.
"Two bandits armed with machetes stormed into their kitchen, they hit his mother with machetes and took away the baby," said regional police chief Joseph Konyo.
The child's father, who was nearby during the attack, is being questioned, he said.
"We have asked the public for cooperation to arrest the suspects," said Konyo.
Albino body parts are sought after in Tanzania for witchcraft. At least 74 albinos have been murdered in the east African country since 2000, according to the United Nations.
In August, a UN rights expert blamed a rise in attacks against albinos on looming presidential elections, due in October 2015, leading political campaigners to turn to influential sorcerers for help.

Albino body parts sell for around $600 in Tanzania, with an entire corpse fetching $75,000, according to the UN.
Albinism is a hereditary genetic condition which causes a total absence of pigmentation in the skin, hair and eyes. It affects one Tanzanian in 1,400, often as a result of inbreeding, experts say. In the West, it affects just one person in 20,000.
In December, a four-year-old albino girl was kidnapped in northern Tanzania. Multiple arrests were made but the child has not been found.

Friday, June 29, 2012

Lawmaker breaks down pleading for Albinos



A Tanzanian lawmaker broke down in tears in parliament Thursday as she pleaded the cause of fellow albinos, persecuted and regularly targeted for ritual killings in the region.
Al-Shaymaa Kwegyr told the house that when albinos are targeted, little is done to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
"When other people are killed or mistreated investigations are conducted swiftly and culprits brought to justice... but with albinos it can take years or decades,"...Read'>">Read the Rest of the Story Here

Friday, November 4, 2011

Canadian House of Commons condemns attacks on Tanzanian children with albinism

The campaign against the murder and mutilation of Tanzanian adults and children with albinism was unanimously supported by the Canadian House of Commons on Wednesday, Oct. 26.

Members of Parliament supported a motion by Langley MP Mark Warawa that condemns the attacks on adults and children with albinism for their body parts, expresses the support of the citizens of Canada for people with albinism in Tanzania who have been the victims of such attacks,
urges the Government of Tanzania to prosecute perpetrators of these crimes "actively and aggressively" and calls on Tanzanian authorities "to take immediate action to prevent further violence against persons with albinism and to bring to swift justice those who engaged in such practices
."...Read the Rest of the Story Here

Monday, October 31, 2011

Tanzania's Attorney General forms team to probe albino killings

THE Attorney General's office has formed a national task force that will investigate into the killings of albinos in the country.

Deputy AG George Masaju told the Public Accounts Parliamentary Committee at the weekend that incidents of albino killings were on the rise, and thus a cause for concern.

"We are serious on the issue, we cannot just remain silent while someone is being killed...Read the Rest of the Story Here

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Turn not a blind eye: Act!

This blog is dedicated to decrying the animosity leveled against people with albinism. It seems there’s been a recrudescence of violence against albinos in Tanzania in recent months.

Some of the albinos have been hacked, humiliated and even killed by people seeking their body parts to sell to witchdoctors who make charms and potions using them.

The witchdoctors have made people believe that when they take the charms and potions then they will increase their wealth bases, improve their security and safeguard their positions.

On this blog, I vent my heart’s contempt regarding the goings on.
Human life is sacred and no one has the right to cut someone else’s life short.
Albinos are human beings and they, too, are entitled to live.

Here I share links to PREVIOUS pieces I did to voice my stand on this issue:

1. This war will one day be won, but first...

2. Who will speak up for us if we don't stand up for them?

3. It's our call dear brethren

Gruesome Criminal Acts continue against children with Albinism in Tanzania

Here I reproduce Under the Same Sun's (UTSS)recent report on the violence and stigma leveled against albinos in Tanzania.

UTSS advocates for the rights of persons with albinism wherever they face discrimination.

Peter Ash, Under the Same Sun's CEO, says impassionately: “Justice has not come and horrifying crimes against children with albinism continue unabated in Tanzania. Only firm and decisive action on the part of Tanzanian government and society will stem this tide of innocent blood being spilled!”

In the last 10 months there have been four gruesome attacks against persons with albinism in Tanzania. Here are the facts:

1. Only four days ago on October 14, 2011 the machete attack and attempted murder of 12 year Adam Robert occurred in Geita Region, Tanzania. A man seeking his body parts for sale to witchdoctors and their customers began hacking off his arm. He resisted and was left laying in front of his home with multiple wounds including three fingers which were severed from his right hand. His three fingers will quickly fetch a handsome price in Tanzania’s continuing black market for albino body parts. Adam survived the gruesome attack and reported to police that his father, stepmother, uncle, and another male relative were involved in this criminal act. His testimony was confirmed by neighbours. Adam is currently in hospital suffering from severe wounds and trauma. He says he can never go home to his family. WARNING: The photos are GRAPHIC 1.Click HERE to see the Photo 2.Click HERE to see the Photo


2. On May 13, 2011, the murder by poisoning of 14 month old infant Doto Mbiti from the Ibanda Village, Geita Region, Tanzania occurred. His horrific killing was committed by an aunt simply because she did not want a child with albinism in her family. Two hospitals were unable to treat the poisoning and baby Doto passed away after extreme suffering in Sengerema Hospital. His tiny body is buried in the floor of a dirty animal shed to prevent the body parts from being stolen by those who poisoned him. The news of Doto’s murder was delivered to UTSS by his parents in August of 2011. The parents did not report his death to the police because of fear that they would never survive the Sukuma tribes’ traditional revenge. “Sukumas cannot stand relatives who reveal family secrets to the authorities” they said. The family also revealed that there have been several attempts to steal the body parts from the grave for use in witchcraft rituals.

3. In January of 2011 the abduction and bodily violation of 4 year old Meriki in Kasemie village, Geita Tanzania occurred. The assailant forcibly held the young boy for several hours. During this time Meriki’s hair was cut and collected by the attacker, for sale to witchdoctors and their customers. Albino hair is a hot commodity in Tanzanias’s dark underground market. When the man finally released Meriki, his grandmother noticed that part of his head had no hair and asked who cut it. He said the violation had been perpetrated by a neighbour, Mr. Robert Matage (40yrs). The crime was
reported to the police, Robert was questioned, and later released. On October 18, 2011 Tanzanian police told the media that the police could not interfere. UTSS believes this is an appalingly inadequate response.

4. On February 9, 2011 in Rukwa Region, three year old Juma Kapela was abducted while playing with a group of children. His recovery follows a four-day intensive search mounted jointly by the police, a team of Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) soldiers and villagers. For their safety, Juma and his 5 year old sister Wande, who also has albinism, have been removed from their family, friends & village and relocated to a safer place some 400 miles from home.


Young children with albinism experience Horrific suffering and neglect in Tanzanian public boarding schools.


On October 17, 2011 UTSS received information about several children with albinism who are residents of the government operated Buhangija boarding school in Shinyanga Region. The situation in Buhangija School is appalling and disturbing! The head teacher of the school made these remarks concerning the spreading skin cancer affecting the young students;
It is the children’s fault that they have skin cancer.”
A mother who recently lost her 28 year old daughter with albinism to skin cancer was told by a doctor in Shinyanga;
Don’t worry, this is how these people (persons with albinism) are.”
WARNING: The photo is GRAPHIC Click HERE to see the Photo


UTSS Believes that this stigma and discrimination is killing thousands of Tanzania n citizens with albinism .

Edmund Burke once remarked, “All that is needed for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing!”. UTSS is unable to “do nothing”. We are asking that those perpetrating these atrocities
are brought to justice. We also seek a day when persons with albinism will take their rightful place in every level of Tanzanian society. We implore the authorities in Tanzania, media, NGO’s and all concerned citizens to raise the alarm about the ongoing slaughter and violation of persons with albinism in Tanzania.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Persecution of Albinos in Tanzania

Vumilia Makoye was like many other Tanzanians living with albinism. Due to her severe near-sightedness as well as constant ridicule borne from her peers’ ignorance, school was a constant challenge. She dropped out by age 17. One evening, Vumilia was eating dinner at home with her family in Tanzania when men approached her hut with long knives. Her family saw the men and tried to barricade the front door, but they were overpowered. Vumilia’s family watched as the men sawed off her legs above the knee and fled with her limbs...Click Here to Read the Rest

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Albino ‘overcomes’ assailant

Story courtesy of Daily News, Tanzania


AN albino child who is admitted to the Geita Hospital in Mwanza Region after he was attacked by a man who was after his body parts said he survived by biting the assailant’s private parts.

Adam Robert (14), whose condition is improving said that he managed to bite the man amid the gruesome attack, forcing the goon to run away before cutting his fingers.

“When he was cutting my hand, I was yelling and after a few moment he started preparing to chop off my fingers. That is when I got the chance of biting his private part. That man managed to cut my fingers after I fell down while trying to escape,” narrated the shocked but brave kid.

Narrating the ordeal, Robert said that he met the man (suspect) last Friday, when he came looking for
his cow. Robert, who was grazing the cows, said that the man stayed with him at the grazing ground before disappearing in the forests.

“After a few minutes, the man came back this time offering me a hat but I refused telling him that I had mine with me, after which I decided to move closer to my home,” he said.

Later in the evening, Robert said that the man came to their house on the pretence of looking for his lost cow. He arrived finding the victim with his father.

“After introducing himself to my mother, I informed my father to have met with the man at the grazing grounds,” he said, adding that later the man left the premises.

According to the father, one Robert Tangawizi (36), the following day (Saturday) attacked the child and cut off his body parts before he run away. According to the father, the suspect is still at large.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Kahama, Bukombe Districts named as most lawless

Kahama and Bukombe Districts of Shinyanga region are the leading districts for various acts of lawlessness including armed robbery, robbery and use of weapons.

Police Commander of Shinyanga region, Diwani Athumani, has confirmed that these districts have many challenges for the police force and voluntary protection where many criminal acts and murders of the elderly continue to be reported within the district.

This Commander gave this report following up the lead in various criminal acts especially of armed robbery and murders of the elderly last year.

Athumani told journalists that one of the main reasons for the existence of this situation is that these districts have a great influx of visitors from within and outside the Shinyanga region, adjoining regions and neighbouring countries.

Furthermore, he said these districts have had areas for large and small and mining industries of gold and diamonds.

Likewise, these districts have large influxes resulting from being on the main bitumen road from Isaka to the neighbouring countries of Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi and Uganda as well as the refugee camps which are in the adjoining regions of Kagera and Kigoma.

He said because of these circumstances, murders of the elderly and people with albinism have been occurring in these areas and other areas like Bariadi, Shinyanga, Maswa and Meatu involving a small percentage.

Concerning the steps which have been announced to be taken by the police force to tackle this situation, he said starting in 2011 police plan to ensure a peaceful and calm situation will be reinstated within all these lawless areas.

“As the police force, we have set ourselves the target for the year 2011 to ensure serious crimes reduce and stop and don’t exist at all: what I am saying is for those armed robbers to look other things to do,” Diwani said.

He made it clear that police using voluntary protection, will cooperate with citizens to get reports about crime and that these will not be leaked.

Moreover, he said that they will confirm they are using sungusungu to strengthen protection within these regions and that sungusungu groups, are getting education about protection and security strategies.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Salum Khalfan Barwany - Tanzania's Albino MP fears for his life


Tanzania's first elected albino member of parliament fears his life could be in danger in the east African country where albino hunters kill their victims and use their blood and body parts for witchcraft.

Salum Khalfan Barwany said he may be threatened by an unknown group that has been tracking his movements since he was elected MP for the Lindi Urban constituency in southern Tanzania in an October 31 election...Check out the Rest of Story Here

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Vicky Ntetema: A Resolute and Courageous Woman...

...a woman who has the interests of Albinos in Tanzania at heart

Vicky Ntetema,a Tanzanian journalist

Question: What exactly inspired you to singlehandedly hold the bull by its horns, going after and exposing those who engage in the insane acts? Was it a duty call? Has the practice ever affected your personal life before you took off? do you have friends or relatives who are albinos?

Answer: I hate to be a witness to injustices and standby without doing anything. And as a journalist, I owe it to my profession and the public to go an extra mile to find the truth and tell it as it is. What would you do when a mother tells you that she was forced to choose between releasing her seven month old baby with albinism to the killers and witnessing the slaughter of three of her children one by one until they get what they want!

What about listening to a teenager boy narrating with pain about the killers who had to butcher his mother and pregnant sister to get a leg of his ten year old sister with albinism because a witchdoctor ordered it for a client? Would you keep quiet when you hear how helpless underage children watch as the neck of their five year old kid sister is slit open, legs hacked off, blood drunk by killers who disappear with the limbs and tongue! I had to do something!


...Check out the Rest of the Interview Here

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Parliamentary candidate's gaffe during a campaign rally

This BLOGGER says:
....It was insensitive of him to make such a remark. He should have known better than to say such a thing. He is one who should be leading the way in the fight against albino discrimination...


Story courtesy of The Guardian newspaper, Tanzania

Lindi Urban CCM parliamentary candidate Mohamed Abdul Azizi has conceded that the Civic United Front (CUF) presidential candidate, Prof Ibrahim Lipumba, is a well learned economist who could bring economic revolution in the country if elected president.

Azizi, who also doubles as Iringa Regional Commissioner, is defending his position in the constituency he has been representing in parliament for a long time.

He told a campaign rally at Matopeni area that Prof Lipumba was one of the most brilliant academicians in the country who has offered his contribution to the development of the country and other nations.

The parliamentary candidate cited the US and European countries whose economies the professor had helped to improve, but told the potential voters that the time for Prof Lipumba to run the country was yet to come because of the existing traditional transfer of authority, for which he didn’t elaborate.

In another turn of events, Azizi and his campaign manager Khalfani Mandanje, used abusive and stigmatising language against Lindi Urban parliamentary candidate Salum Bar’wani from the Civic United Front, saying he was unsuitable because he was an albino.
They told the electorate in Ng’apa, Mingoyo, Chikonji and Matopeni wards at varying times of the campaigns that
under normal circumstances people with albinism suffered memory loss because of the lack of Vitamin C as they are exposed to sunlight.

CCM candidate Azizi is quoted to have said: “In the past, our elders spat on their chests if they met albinos in the morning to drive away any curse.”

An embittered Bar’wani told journalists that people harbouring such attitudes were no different from those who killed albinos for superstitious reasons.
He is considering to petition to the national electoral commission.

Meanwhile, Azizi asked the electorate to vote him back into parliamaent so that he could finalise the construction of his hotel. But he did not give details.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Plight of albinos should shame us to the core

...SNAPSHOTS...

...At what point did we lose our humanity that we regard anyone who looks even slightly different from the majority as a lesser being? Albinos deal with prejudice every waking day of their lives, and perhaps even in sleep. Just being in public is a nightmare for most...

...The silly and futile belief that sacrificing albinos brings good luck, has led to their being hunted down, killed and their body parts sold to witchdoctors.
It is easy to pass on the burden of responsibility in ending this horrific and beastly trade to the Government and police, but that will not make it go away...

...We must stand up to be counted among the defenders of this endangered minority, whose only ‘crime’ is that they lack the ability to make enough melanin to turn their skins ebony...

...Albinism is due to a genetic defect that exists in a percentage of any sample of the population, and has nothing to do with black magic or sorcery. Albinos have no supernatural abilities, and to believe otherwise is FOOLISH!...
...Check out the Story Here

In Swaziland: Albino (11) shot, beheaded

The death of an 11-year old Albino girl will forever be etched on the minds of her friends who watched haplessly after she was abducted, shot and beheaded...Check out the Story Here