Director of Public Prosecution Nelson Igonga has explained why suspects in the Shakahola massacre are still in detention without being charged months later.
Pastor Paul Mackenzie and his co-accused have been in detention for several months with their case making no significant progress.
The DPP, however, in a statement on Thursday said the suspects are still being held owing to the nature of the case.
"The continued detention of the suspects is necessitated by the fact of the evolving nature of the investigations, including incomplete DNA extraction, analysis, interpretation and validation necessary for identification of the deceased and completing the postmortem reports," Igonga said.
According to the DPP, the entire process is delicate, laborious and time-consuming considering the large number of bodies that need to be identified.
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The DPP said the Prevention of Terrorism Act No. 30 of 2012 permits the detention of the suspects pending the conclusion of the probe into alleged offences committed for up to 360 days.
Mackenzie and his co-accused are likely to face terrorism-related charges.
"The complexity, magnitude and evolving nature of the Shakahola Massacre investigations requires sufficient time to properly conclude investigations so as to safeguard the rights of the victims and their families towards a fair trial," Igonga added.
The DPP maintained that they are committed to upholding human rights and the rule of law as they handle the matter.
He called for stakeholders' cooperation in ensuring justice is upheld.
