IWMF released a statement saying, Ntetema (51), a freelancer for the BBC World Service, won the prestigious award for uncovering one of the country’s horrible secrets when she began to investigate the brutal killings of albinos and their families.In her story, Ntetema revealed that witchdoctors were especially dangerous because they hold powerful positions in African traditional society, who often use hired killers and get protection from the local police.
Ntetema has received death threats since she started her reporting, according to the statement.
“Working undercover, she learned that witchdoctors were murdering albinos to dismember their bodies and sell potions made out of their hair, legs and arms,” it read, adding that the customers were told the potions would bring them good fortune.
“She has twice left Tanzania for her safety. She now reports wearing a hijab to disguise her identity and often travels with a security guard,” it said.
According to the BBC, some 170 witchdoctors have been arrested for the killings.
The IWMF's Courage in Journalism Awards honour women journalists who have shown extraordinary strength of character and integrity while reporting the news under dangerous or difficult circumstances.
According to the IWMF, the awards will be presented at ceremonies in New York on October 19 and in Los
Angeles on October 21.The other two are Claudia Duque of Colombia and Tsering Woeser, a Tibetan living in China. Reports ippmedia
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