As a sign that freelance writers are playing an increasingly prominent role in the world of journalism?both in the West and in the developing world?the US-based International Women?s Media Foundation has decided to give its top award to a Tanzanian freelancer, who courageously reported on the murder of albino infants in her home country. Vicky Ntetema took it upon herself to expose the disturbing practice common among some Tanzanian witchdoctors to murder albinos, in order to then use their body parts in allegedly ?magic? potions. As a freelancer, Ntetema did not have the full backing of a major media organization, but she still took a significant risk by infiltrating the world of witchdoctors and posing as a potential client for these potions.</p> <p>Ntetema uncovered that witchdoctors often operated with the tacit protection of police officers and even local government, neither of which did anything to stop the violence linked to their work. That having been said, Tanzania did arrest 170 witchdoctors in recent years, but the award-winning freelance writer worries that upcoming elections will convince politicians to turn the other away, even as the killings continue.</p> <p>The network of witchdoctors in Tanzania is so powerful, that Ntetema has reason to fear for her life, after she used her freelance career to uncover their work. She now has 24 hour protection from a security company and was even cautioned to flee the country on two separate occasions. Even worse, Ntetema must wear a hijab?a complete veil over her face?whenever she goes out in public as a protective measure.