A South African pastor has been finally put to rest after his family spent almost two years waiting for him to rise from the dead.

The body of Pastor Siva Moodley – who founded The Miracle Centre Church – had been stored at a Johannesburg mortuary since his death on 14th August 2021.

His family and followers had prayed constantly for his Christ-like resurrection after his wife said she had a vision he would rise from the dead.

But – after 579 days of waiting – the undertaker applied for a court order to have him either buried or cremated, report local media.

The legal move came after the funeral director had made 28 failed attempts to get the family’s consent.

Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg granted the mortuary’s request, and Moodley’s remains were finally buried on 16th March, 2023.

It is reported that his wife and children did not attend the funeral.

Martin’s Funerals Fourways and Roodepoort – where Moodley’s body was stored – reportedly gave the pastor a dignified burial.

Now, they say his family owes them R 100,000 (GBP 4,500) for the funeral service, a 19-month storage bill and legal costs.

Moodley’s wife Jessie, son, David, and daughter, Kathryn Jade, have still not acknowledged the pastor’s death and kept church service going as usual.

His social media accounts reportedly remain active, with frequent posts being shared as if they are from him.