Audio By Carbonatix
Police in Tanzania have arrested 65 "witchdoctors", or traditional healers, in connection with the ritual killing of at least 10 children.
The children were killed in January and many had body parts removed.
There is a belief among some people in Tanzania, and neighbouring countries, that using human body parts in rituals can bring wealth and good luck.
The inspector general of police, Simon Sirro, has ordered that every traditional healer obtain a licence.
"We have also requested other institutions like religious leaders and politicians to help us," he added.
Ten children were murdered in the south-western Njombe region and an unknown number in the northern Simuyu region.
One of the children, Goodluck Mfugale, was just five years old when he was killed. His parents told the BBC their son had been robbed of his future.
There is a particular belief that the body parts of people with albinism are especially potent in the rituals, leading to many killings.
However it is not clear if any of the 10 children known to have been killed had albinism.
Albinism is particularly prevalent in Tanzania with one in 1,400 affected, according to a 2006 BMC Public Health report. This compares with one in 20,000 in Western countries.
Activists on the continent say poverty contributes to the suspicion surrounding albinos and the belief their body parts can be sold for large sums of money.
Latest Stories
-
Earlier passage of BoG’s Amendment Bill could have prevented haircuts – Dr. Asiama
5 minutes -
Gains were hard-won, achieved through discipline and institutional effort – BoG Governor
19 minutes -
GCB Bank rewards customers at first “Pa To Pa” Promo Draw
28 minutes -
EC sets March 3 for Ayawaso East by-election
44 minutes -
Call for Applications: WikkiTimes launches Anas Aremeyaw Anas AI fellowship
60 minutes -
GPL 2025/26: Dreams hold Hearts as Phobians record 8th draw
1 hour -
If you attempt to bribe a police officer now, he will disgrace you; he wants a promotion – IGP Yohuno
1 hour -
This Saturday on Newsfile: NPP Presidential primaries, Ofori-Atta, Sedina detention and LGBTQ-tainted manual
1 hour -
BoG to deepen media engagement and reward quality economic reporting – Governor
1 hour -
Photos: The Multimedia Group thanksgiving service 2026
2 hours -
BoG declares 2025 ‘Year of Restoration’ as inflation crashes and reserves hit 27-year high
2 hours -
2026 is the ‘Year of Action’ for Petroleum Hub project – Dr Toni Aubynn
2 hours -
Sedina Tamakloe set for January 21 US court hearing – Victor Smith
3 hours -
‘Ministerial signature is not ceremonial ink’ – CDM questions Education Minister’s role in curriculum saga
3 hours -
Multimedia Group Kumasi staff gathers to celebrate 31 years of broadcasting and community service
3 hours
