Shakahola death toll rises to 336 as Gov't suspends exhumation exercise

Police officers conducting exhumations in Shakahola forest recovered 10 more bodies on Friday, bringing the death toll from the starvation cult to 336.

However, no rescues were made, hence the number of people rescued still stands at 95. 

The number of victims who have been identified by their kin also still remains at 19, while those missing are 613.

According to the officers leading the operation, the third phase of the exercise which started two weeks ago has now been suspended to prepare for autopsy examination on the bodies already exhumed.

The police say a date will be communicated on when the exercise will resume.

Meanwhile, DNA samples collected so far are 93

The suspected cult is linked to Good News International Church's controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie, who is accused of brainwashing his followers to starve themselves to death in order to "meet Jesus."