A magistrate took his time to engage Shakahola suspected cult leader Paul Mackenzie alongside his aides after they turned violent and began chanting slogans of “Haki yetu” in court over their continued detention.
In a calm demeanour, Shanzu Principal Magistrate Yusuf Shikanda called out Mackenzie’s name on Wednesday and after he answered back he began to address him in a polite manner.
“I know you have been in custody for quite some time, but this too shall pass you remember the story of Jesus? You all know about Jesus? How he underwent temptations? Even you it shall pass l call upon you to exercise patience,” the magistrate said while alluding that the pain was temporary.
Shikanda informed the suspects that he has never been angry at their actions of shouting in his courtroom.
“You have all seen that l don’t even get mad at you at all since l understand what you are going through,” he said to which they all answered in the affirmative.
Yesterday, the suspects turned violent moments after they were arraigned in court.
They began by chanting slogans of “Haki yetu” before defence lawyer Wycliffe Makasembo assured them of justice.
“I urge you all to calm l assure you all that justice will be served, the magistrate will also listen to you am here to represent your please stop shouting,” he said.
Moments later as the matter proceeded, the suspects began shouting at Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Yamina Jamii as he presented the state’s application before court.
He seemed to have rubbed the suspects the wrong way after he opposed a move to allow the suspects to mingle while being held at the Shimo La Tewa Prison.
The matter will be mentioned on Friday this week for further directions.
