Tanzania: Mwanza RC Instructs New DCs to Curb Albino Killings

 

Photo: The East African

File photo.

By Pius RugonzibwaMwanza — MWANZA Regional Commissioner Magesa Mulongo challenged newly appointed District Commissioners (DCs) to work hard to address the challenges facing the region, citing abductions, torture and killings of people with albinism.

Mr Mulongo was speaking shortly after swearing in three new DCs who were recently appointed in the office by President Jakaya Kikwete.
According to him, fighting the growing scourge of albino killings was a commitment of every good citizen asking for the wananchi in the respective districts to cooperate and support the new DCs in fulfilling their missions including nabbing the albino killers.
"I challenge you to act tough on this evil phenomenon that is tarnishing good image of our region and fight hard to eliminate the so-called 'fortune tellers' believed to be behind the abduction and killings of these people," he said.
The RC took the opportunity to hint on the search development of little Pendo Emmanuel (4) who was abducted in Kwimba District late last year and is still at large to date.
All the efforts are still directed at making sure the child is secured, Mr Mulongo maintained, and that many people including owner of one hotel in Mwanza City is already in police custody in connection to the matter.
He could not mention the name of the hotel or the owner, but said reports from the on-going investigations over the loss of the child have revealed the attachment of a number of people including the owner of the hotel which kept the little Emmanuel shortly after he was abducted.
"The kidnappers kept the abducted child in that hotel for sometimes, giving her meals before they vanished with her. We are on top of this matter and will leave no stone unturned until the last player is nabbed," he stressed.
Mr Mulongo cautioned all who connect the abduction of people with albinism with the general election exercises insisting the government machineries cannot work on those baseless allegations but will strictly deal with offenders at any cost.
The new DCs who took oaths were Ms Zainab Telack of Sengerema, Ms Mwajuma Nyiruka of Misungwi, Ms Pili Moshi of Kwimba and Ms Karen Kemilembe of Magu.
Speaking on behalf of her fellow appointees, the DC for Misungwi, Ms Nyiruka, said they would work hard to meet the expectation of President Kikwete, the RC and the general public.
"We will work so hard that the challenges facing our respective districts and the entire region are met and in so doing we need the supports of every good resident and citizen.
Meanwhile, the organization of the traditional healers and fortune tellers associations is holding the extraordinary meeting here today to discuss among others accusing fingers pointed on them following the kidnapping and killing of people with albinism.
According to the press statement from the leadership of the organization, the event was expected to be attended by a number of people including Regional Police Commanders (RPCs) from all Lake Regions and the media.