Ntcheu health officials probe mystery behind woman who “came back to life” before dying again

By Michael Martin//MALAWI

The Ntcheu District Health Officer, Innocent Mhango has requested more time to thoroughly investigate the mysterious events surrounding the death of 21-year-old Ellen Kanyaza who was buried yesterday in her home village of Chibalala under Senior Chief Njolomole.

Kanyaza had earlier been pronounced dead by Ntcheu District Hospital and her body was placed in a mogue for two days before burial preparations began.

However, during the funeral ceremony on Monday, something shocking occurred as the body was being prepared for burial.

Witnesses noticed that Ellen’s body suddenly turned on its side, breaking away from the traditional funeral posture, raising concerns that she might still be alive.

We gathered that community members quickly removed her from the coffin believing she had “risen from the dead”.

They placed her on open ground so that everyone present could witness the astonishing development.

Relatives attempted to feed her porridge and to their surprise, she swallowed several spoonfuls without help.

When given water, she drank on her own and was also able to move some parts of her body including her legs.

With time, she even managed to urinate clear evidence, according to the family, that she was still alive.

Unfortunately, the young woman died again yesterday and was buried the same day in the same grave where traditional leaders had earlier planted a banana sucker, believing her first death had “failed”.

Meanwhile, police publicist Jacob Khembo appeared hesitant to comment, saying his office had not yet received an official report about the incident.

This contradicts Senior Group Village Head Chibalala, who told our reporter that funeral organisers had indeed sought clearance from police before burial.

“Yes, we went to the police to explain the situation.

“We were seeking guidance, and they clearly told us we could proceed with the burial since she had already been declared dead days earlier. That is why we buried her quickly around 10 a.m.,” he added.

Acting on a request, Senior Group Village Head Ndaipa Chipwaira, representing the Chibalala chieftaincy, explained that the family had gone to check on Ellen early yesterday morning after noticing alarming signs.

“We found her bleeding from the nose and mouth, and there was foam coming from one of her nostrils, including swelling around the eyes,” said the chief.

“It was obvious something was terribly wrong. As a village, together with the family, we accepted that she was gone. Ellen had breathed her last.”

He added that the circumstances of her death were so abrupt that had one arrived a little earlier, they would have found the funeral still in progress.

Following request, the chief, accompanied by other village leaders, family members, and several community residents, visited the grave to confirm that the burial had indeed taken place.

Many villagers remain shaken, believing the incident reflects a deeply painful and troubling death that has left the entire community in disbelief.