Burundi's albinos flee sorcerers and organ traders

In recent weeks, Ruyigi has seen a gruesome string of murders and mutilations of albinos, whose body parts are sold to witch doctors.

"People say that the body parts taken from albinos are sold in Tanzania. They put them on gold mines and that brings the gold to the surface, then you just need to collect it," said Ciza, fear evident in his pale blue eyes.

"Some fishermen also use the parts to bait large fish they think have gold in their bellies."

Still in shock, Ciza spoke to AFP from the safety of Ruyigi province chief prosecutor Nicodeme Gahimbare's personal residence.

The official's home has been turned into an albino safehouse, surrounded by a three metre (10-foot) wall, where some 25 albinos from the all over the region have taken shelter.

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