Court Detains Mackenzie and His Co-Accused for 1 More Month Over Suicide Concerns
Paul Mackenzie, the principal suspect in the Shakahola atrocity and a contentious pastor will remain in custody until December 22. On that date, the court will render a decision regarding an application submitted by the prosecution, which requests an additional six months of detention for him and his co-accused.
Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Jami Yamina, who appeared in court, expressed concern that the defendants might commit suicide if released, thus the application.
The ODPP stated that the additional time would enable law enforcement to conclude their investigations into the incident.
During its argument, the prosecution contended that the detention of terror suspects for a maximum of 360 days is permissible under the Constitution.
In intricate cases, the DPP stated that Parliament had also approved the decision to extend the detention period from 90 to 360 days.
In her argument, Assistant DPP Yamina also expressed her dissent towards the court’s decision to discharge six of the twenty-nine suspects on the advice provided by the Aftercare Services Department.
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As per the assistant DPP, the suspects must complete a deradicalization program, which entails providing them with instruction on adopting a different outlook on life.
As per Yamina’s assertion, this will facilitate their reintegration into the community. The state official argued that releasing them into the wild does not provide any assurance that they will not return to their original detrimental religious behaviors.
Paul Mackenzie is charged with terrorism about the more than 300 deaths he orchestrated via a pernicious cult that he fostered through deceptive preaching.
The pastor in question has been repeatedly deprived of bail and remains in the custody of law enforcement.
He and his co-accused were detained for an additional 47 days on August 4, following the prosecution’s request for an extension to finalize investigations.
Court Detains Mackenzie and His Co-Accused for 1 More Month Over Suicide Concerns