Ms Ntetema has been censured locally over a perceived ‘safe house’ where three people with albinism have been living in recent months.
The Coast Region security committee has resolved to have them relocated from the house, saying it was not safe for their upkeep and protection. One of the three albinos was reportedly missing.
Regional Commissioner Evarist Ndikilo ordered that the remaining duo be taken to a much safer place than their current residence in Mbezi-Mlungwana village in Mukuranga district following his visit to the site.
According to Mr Ndikilo, he was informed that the original trio were taken from Tabora under the auspices of Under The Same Sun - the organisation that campaigns for the protection and other human needs of the albino community in Tanzania. Ms Ntetema is the director of the organisation and was instrumental in its establishment in the country to campaign against acts of violence targeting albinos who have been hunted and killed in the country over the years for withcraft purposes.
Her work, including an under-cover investigation that exposed an extensive network of people behind the albino killings, has won her local and international accolades as a committed activist who passionately campaigned against the repugnant practice perpetuated by beliefs that albino body parts could bring riches and other worldly tidings.
Ms Ntetema is currently touring the US courtesy of her naming in the list of 100 women from around the world who were recognised for their work for humanity. She received her award on Tuesday and met with US Secretary of State John Kerry. Ms Ntetema is a former longserving BBC Journalist and was among three Africans in the list of awardees.
The Mkuranga story could therefore not have come at a worst time, with the RC accusing Under The Same Sun for exposing the very people it was supposed to protect. He claimed the three albinos taken to the Pazuo Ward village in 2014 had been abandoned without much care for their safety and livelihood.
Mr Ndikilo noted that the house they were living in is 30 kilometres from Kimanzichana, the nearest towhship. “We learnt about their presence after getting information that a person with albinism called Said Abdalah had gone missing,” he said soon after his visit to the area. He said the place was surrounded with bushes and was far from other villager’s homes.
Samwel Masaga, one of the remaining two, told the RC that Abdalah left home on January 31 this year saying he was going to buy his basic needs but he never returned home until the committee visited them. It was not immediately established if the three were related.
Mbezi Mlungwana village chairman Hassan Kafeni said they were aware of the presence of the persons with albinism since 2014, noting that they were the second batch after the previous one stayed there and left.
Coast Regional Police Commander Bonaventura Mushongi said police were still searching for the missing person. He called upon the residents to protect people living with albinism as they had also the right to live.
Ms Ntetema could not be reached and an email sent to her had not been answered by the time of filing this report.
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