MALAWI: Woman Believed Dead Found Alive in Coffin

By Smile Hamilton Malawi

People in Chibalala Village, under Senior Chief Njolomole in Ntcheu District, are still in shock after a 21-year-old woman who was believed to have died on Saturday was found alive on Monday.

According to Ndaipa Chipwaila, a representative of the Chibalala Village Group, the woman, identified as Ellen Kanyaza, was taken to Ntcheu District Hospital after falling ill, where she was admitted for several days. She was later reported dead at the hospital, and her family was informed.

Funeral preparations immediately began, including body viewing, while church members sang comforting hymns for the deceased.

Chipwaila told African Culture TV, “When the time came for the chief to step outside so that speeches could begin, people were shocked to see movement inside the coffin as the woman started turning. We quickly removed her from the coffin and laid her on a mat in an open space for everyone to witness.”

Simon Manjerenjeza, the woman’s brother, confirmed the incident. He said his sister had been admitted to Ntcheu District Hospital for three days after suffering severe headaches and later stayed in the funeral house for two days.

Ntcheu District Hospital spokesperson Stella Kawalala said, “We need more time to investigate this matter properly.” Meanwhile, police told African Culture TV, “We cannot comment further at this time as there is no evidence of foul play.”

The Chibalala Village Group said that since the gravediggers had already dug the grave in preparation for burying the girl, and in order to fulfil the tradition that a grave must not be left empty, they placed a banana sucker inside the grave before covering it.