A 28-year-old man from Ng’hambi Village in Mpwapwa District, Dodoma Region, Tanzania, has become the subject of widespread speculation after his family claimed he came back to life nearly a week after his burial, only to vanish without explanation.
John Thomas died on September 11 and was laid to rest on September 13.
Four days later, on September 17, his parents reportedly began seeing him, an experience that left them deeply shaken and led them to contact a local prophet named Isaya to intervene with prayers.
What the Family Claims Happened
During the prayer session, family members say they saw John dressed in a white burial shroud. After word of the alleged resurrection spread, crowds began gathering at the family home.
Prophet Isaya reportedly instructed the family to lock John in a room, telling them the number of visitors needed to reduce before he could return to finish what he had begun.
However, the prophet never came back. Ng’hambi Street Government leaders attempted to contact him, and while he indicated he would return, he failed to show up. Concerned residents eventually forced the door open, but found the room completely empty.
John’s mother maintains that she and other family members physically saw and carried her son during the prayers. She remains hopeful that Prophet Isaya will return and complete what the family describes as a resurrection.
She also noted that she believes her son’s death was unusual, saying John fell into water on a farm before he passed away.
Local Leaders Urge Caution
Ng’hambi Street Government Chairperson William Samweli confirmed the incident, saying local officials went to the scene personally and verified that the room was empty after the door was broken down.
He called on residents to approach matters of faith with caution, while stressing that local leadership had no desire to interfere with religious practice.
Samweli added that the matter had been reported to higher authorities for further investigation.
The family, despite the uncertainty surrounding the entire episode, says it continues to communicate with Prophet Isaya and holds on to the belief that he will eventually return.
