Witch Doctors Banned In Tanzania After Ritual Killing of Albino People

A witch doctor works in Kenya. In the neighboring Tanzania, the government has banned similar witch doctors after their actions fueled the killing of albinos for their body parts. Religion News Service photo by Fredrick Nzwili

The government of Tanzania has banned witch doctors due to ritual killings of albino people for their body parts.

The witch doctors reportedly fueled the killings by inducing local people to believe “magic potions” made from body parts brought good luck and wealth.

Some religious leaders have welcomed the move but warned that a blanket ban could affect access to traditional medicine offered by healers and herbalists.

Now the leaders are calling for a new approach, even as the government clarifies it was targeting cheats.

“I don’t think the ban will end the problem,” said the Rev. Leonard Mtaita, a retired general secretary of the Christian Council in Tanzania. “A lot of people, including senior politicians, visit these witch doctors. I think the best approach would be to educate the communities about these issues.”

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SOURCE: Religion News Service
Fredrick Nzwili