Jan. 6 (Bloomberg) -- Albinos living in Tanzania will receive a free mobile phone and have access to a new police hotline in an effort to end witchcraft-related murders, the Guardian reported, citing police commander Suleiman Kova.

Local businesses have donated 350 mobile phones, which will be distributed to albinos and their families to improve the safety of albino people who are being killed for their body parts, blood and hair, the Dar es Salaam-based newspaper said.

Witchdoctors in the east African nation are spreading the belief that potions made from albino body parts have magical powers, bringing success, good health and prosperity.

At least 35 albinos have been killed since last year in Tanzania, according to the Tanzanian Albino Society.

To contact the reporter on this story: Sarah McGregor in Dar es Salaam via Johannesburg at 1999 or pmrichardson@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: January 6, 2009 09:14 EST