Paul Mackenzie, the self-proclaimed pastor at the center of the Shakahola forest massacre, is facing a fresh wave of charges following the deaths of 52 more followers in a separate village.
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Already in custody since his 2023 arrest—which followed the discovery of 429 bodies, including children, in mass graves—prosecutors now allege Mackenzie masterminded these recent deaths through notes smuggled from his prison cell. Using radicalized teachings and coordinated structures, he is accused of luring victims into starvation even while behind bars.
In addition to initial manslaughter charges, Mackenzie and his associates now face counts of murder, radicalization, and the “facilitation of terrorist acts.” Mackenzie continues to maintain a plea of not guilty.
CULLED FROM BBC
