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Story summary
- A cracked coffin set ablaze after Pastor Paluku Makundi Denis’s February 4, 2026 burial in Mongbwalu sparked curse rumors.
- Mayor Sesereki Mandro Israel reported nearly 50 deaths with Ebola-like symptoms within two weeks of the burial.
- Health investigators have recorded 108 deaths in April-May and are probing the pastor as possible patient zero.
- Youth attacked a response team on May 22 and set fire to a tent, raising mistrust of health workers.
