afrol News, 24 July - A Burundian court has slapped one person to life in prison and seven others to jail terms over the murders of albinos in the country. Three other suspects were acquitted by the court in Ruyigi province over the killings.

In May, prosecutors in Burundi demanded heavy sentences for the 11 suspects accused of murdering 12 albinos, whose limbs have been sold to witch doctors in neighbouring Tanzania for lucky charms.

The court sentenced three people to 15 years in prison for attempted murder, while one was given seven years for complicity. Two others were jailed for two years and another to a year.

The trial is believed to be the first linked to a spate of albino killings in East Africa since 2007.

Reports said albino associations are calling on East African governments to speed up the trials of those suspected of committing the murders and trading in their body parts, as a means of educating the public that such acts are punishable by law.

Members of the albino community are also calling on traditional healers associations to help curb the problem by enlightening members about the evil of trading in human body parts.

Witchdoctors in the region claim potions made with albino body parts will bring those who use them luck in love, life and business.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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