Authorities in Tanzania say six children out of the ten that were kidnapped in December have been killed and had their ears and teeth removed in a suspected witchcraft case.

BBC reports that some of the bodies of the children, aged between 2 and nine years old were also missing limbs.

This is after the children who were ten in total had gone missing in December. Only four have been found alive.

Njombe District Commissioner, Ruth Msafiri told BBC that there are beliefs in the south-western Tanzania that human parts brings wealthy and fortune.

“This is all about superstitious beliefs and many believe they will get help from witchcraft.”

It is reported that witchdoctors in the region are the ones that escalate such behavior.

All the missing children were stolen from their homes while their parents were selling food at a market.

Meanwhile, the district commission has warned all parents to closely watch their children.

“We urge all parents and guardians to be on alert and teach their children on how to determine the motives of who is around them,”