After 579 days of being kept at a Johannesburg mortuary, Gauteng pastor Siva Moodley was finally buried last week, with his family owing over R100,000 for his burial and storage of his remains, as well as legal costs.
The reason for the prolonged delay in his burial was due to his wife having a vision that he would rise from the dead.
According to reports, Moodley’s family and members of the church would often visit the funeral home to pray for his resurrection.
Funeral home manager, Martin du Toit, lodged an application with the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court to grant him permission to have Moodley buried or cremated.
He further stated that they had to approach the Master of the High Court in Johannesburg to obtain an order for his burial.
This incident once again brings to light the dangers of blind faith and raises questions about the responsibility of religious leaders in managing the expectations of their followers.
It is important to seek solace in religion, but it is equally important to recognise and respect the finality of death. The family’s delay in accepting Moodley’s passing has resulted in not only financial strain, but also emotional turmoil for those involved.
