A former follower of controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie testified in court that he instructed his followers to abandon the Bible, sever ties with family, and fast to death as a path to heaven.

• Six children of the witness, aged between 2 and 16, allegedly died in Shakahola.
• The witness, identified as J.O., detailed teachings that discouraged reading the Bible, describing it as a mere "signpost."
• Followers were allegedly told to lie to government officials and deceive those outside the movement, whom Mackenzie deemed "evil."
• The practice of "kufunga express," or fasting until death, was encouraged, with the witness claiming to have seen several followers die from prolonged fasting.