Abducted 9 year old albino found with head only: Malawi Police confirms

An association that deals with people with albinism has asked the government to move swiftly in the protection of people with albinism after an abducted nine year boy in Machinga was found with his head only on Wednesday.

Police criminal investigation officer Isaac Ndala in Machinga confirmed that the head of Harry Mokoshoni was recovered wrapped in a piece of cloth in a garden a week after he was violently abducted from his sleeping room.

“He was peacefully sleeping in his bedroom with his twin who is also a person with albinism when unknown men violently broke the house and took away Harry. His mother, Edna Cedric sustained injuries as he battled with the men to free Harry but to no avail,” said Ndala.

He said Harry’s step father was away on business errands when the incident happened.

This has however angered the Association People with Albinism who has since called on the government to walk the talk on the protection of people with albinism.

“This is worrisome, this is sad, very sad for us. It is now every week a person with akbinism is killed or abducted,” said the association’s executive director Boniface Massa.

Massa said there was need for the government to ensure that people with albinism are well protected and justice accorded to them with or without resources, saying they are bonafide citizens of Malawi.

Body parts of albinos are highly sought as some mistakenly believe they possesss special powers which can  bring wealth and good luck. Attackers chop off limbs, pluck out organs and sell them to witchdoctors.

According to the International Red Cross, a “complete set” of albino body parts – including all four limbs, genitals, ears, tongue and nose – can fetch up to $75,000 (£50,000) in some African countries.