As bizarre as it may sound, some African communities still practice ritual killing.
This rite is usually performed under the instructions of a traditional chief, king, or soothsayer.
In Tanzania, people with albinism are often killed and their body parts used for witchcraft. The commodification of albinos is thus an answer to bread and butter issues for those willing to maim and kill them. Parts of albinos reportedly sell as much as $75,000.
The practice is also very common in Malawi, where some people have made a fortune selling albino body parts in the black market. Witch doctors claim to use these body parts to bring material wealth and prosperity.
For some in Malawi, medicine men post flyers boasting of potions and charms to neuter rivals, punish the unfaithful or rekindle lost ardour. Such superstition is not uncommon in much of the world. But in Malawi, it can carry dark undertones.
The most potent spells require ritual human sacrifice, according to a local journalist who has approached witch doctors under cover. Murders are not uncommon. Women and children are killed for their breasts and genitals. Albinos, who number no more than 10,000 in Malawi, are said to carry the most powerful magic and are thus most at risk.
There have also been reports of albino killings in South Africa, although such crimes are less common there than in Malawi, Tanzania and Burundi.
Some Africans also believe that having s*x with an albino helps to cure HIV. This has also contributed immensely to the spread of the virus.
