Mackenzie boycotts hearing, claims discrimination at Shimo la Tewa

By Antynet Ford

Cult leader and key suspect in the Shakahola Massacre, Paul Mackenzie today boycotted his bail hearing alongside 94 others who are facing terrorism charges over discriminatory treatment by prison officials.

Through his lawyers, Mackenzie informed the court that he had complained about being separated from the other suspects.

The cult leader expressed concerns about abduction, complicating the proceedings and prompting his lawyer to seek an adjournment to counsel his client on the subject.

However, the Prosecution vehemently opposed the adjournment, dismissing Mackenzie’s claims as mere theatrics designed to stall the legal proceedings.

The prosecution requested that the court decide in Mackenzie’s absence, citing Article 50 of the Constitution, which allows for the trial of accused individuals in absentia under certain conditions.

They also stated that Mackenzie’s status as a convicted prisoner required his separation from co-accused remandees.

The prosecution informed the court of Mackenzie’s alleged role in radicalizing and encouraging hunger strikes among other accused individuals, which posed serious security risks.

Justice Juma summoned the officer in charge of Shimo la Tewa Maximum Security Prison and the investigating officer to discuss the concerns raised.

The court also directed the probation department to prepare bail reports to help assess the DPP’s application to oppose bail.

He also directed the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) to provide psychosocial reports on each of the accused individuals.

Further directions are scheduled for March 27, 2024, when the case will be mentioned again.