lungu burial postponed as directed by the court

Burial of former Zambian President Lungu is uncertain as a court halts funeral proceedings in South Africa. Plans to repatriate his body to Zambia have sparked a dispute between his family and the current Zambian government over burial rights.

Edgar Lungu passed away three weeks ago while receiving treatment at a health facility in South Africa.

The family had announced their intention to independently repatriate the former head of state, despite the Zambian government’s earlier decision to lead the process and organize a state funeral.

Mourners at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Johannesburg were left waiting as some of Lungu’s family attended court proceedings in Pretoria, leaving his remains in a state of uncertainty for several hours.

The Patriotic Front, Lungu’s political party, supported his family, indicating that the political rivalry between Lungu and his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema, complicated the situation.

Lungu’s family lawyer, Neo Mashele, stated that the Zambian government intends to repatriate the late president’s body to Zambia, which the Lungu family opposes. The acting judge, President Ledwaba, indicated that the matter would be heard before a full court of three judges through a special motion in August.

The court ruled that Lungu’s family would be permitted to visit the mortuary until the matter is addressed in court.

Other former Zambian presidents, including the first president, Kenneth Kaunda, and his successor, Frederick Chiluba, are interred at the Embassy Park Presidential Burial Site in Lusaka.