A burial ceremony turned dramatic in Mutete Sector, Gicumbi District, when the body of a man "reappeared” shortly after his burial.

The incident happened on Tuesday. Sources said after the burial of 47-year-old Donat Gasana, mourners went back home, only to find his body in his house shortly after.

It triggered mixed reactions among mourners. While some said the deceased had resurrected and got out of the coffin, others said there were demonic spirits in the family responsible for the incident.

The deceased’s daughter discovered his remains when she went back to their house after the burial.

However, relatives of the deceased who spoke to The New Times, explained that an empty casket was mistakenly buried and the incident had nothing to do with evil spirits or resurrection.

"There was no spiritual practice here; pallbearers just lifted an empty casket leaving the body behind because the casket was draped in white cloth, which misled those who lifted it,” said the deceased’s widow, Verisira Mukagatera, who was left behind with five children.

The parish priest, who had led the burial, requested for reburial after learning of the incident.

Gasana died after complaining of persistent stomach pains but there was no medical diagnosis to show the exact cause of death.

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