The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has ordered detectives to charge Shakahola suspected cult leader Paul Mackenzie, his wife Rhoda Mumbua, aides and Shakahola massacre survivors with murder among other charges.
In a statement dated January 16, 2024, DPP Renson Ingonga noted that according to the prosecution-guided investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and upon thorough analysis of the files, he was satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to prosecute the suspects.
"Upon thorough analysis of the evidence, the DPP is fully satisfied that there is enough evidence to prosecute the 95 suspects with charges of manslaughter, assault and causing grievous bodily harm under the penal code," the statement read in part.
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Other charges against Mackenzie
Ingonga has further directed police to level charges of engaging in organized criminal activities, facilitating the commission of a terrorist act, being in possession of articles connected with an offence under the Prevention of Terrorism Acts, subjecting children to torture, cruelty against children and infringing children's rights on education.
"The DPP has therefore directed that the suspects be presented before the high court and subordinate courts forthwith," he stated.
The DPP's move comes barely a week after Shanzu senior principal magistrate Yusuf Shikanda threatened to have the suspects released on bond within 14 days after the prosecution sought more days to continue holding the suspects in custody pending the conclusion of investigations.
However, it still remains unclear when the suspects are likely to face the charges.
Mackenzie has been in custody since March 2023 following his arrest.
Some of the survivors who are now likely to be charged alongside Mackenzie declined to cooperate with homicide detectives in giving evidence against Mackenzie.
