The family of the late former President Edgar Lungu believes it would be ridiculous if the Zambian government insists on handling his burial.
During an interview on South African broadcaster SABC on Thursday, July 3, 2025, family spokesperson Makebi Zulu mentioned that the relationship between the Lungu family and the government has deteriorated, making such an arrangement unacceptable.
Mr. Zulu accused the Zambian government of being dishonest during previous negotiations and said that taking the issue to court has effectively stopped any further discussions.
He shared that former Malawian President Bakili Muluzi initially tried to mediate, but the talks did not lead to any positive results.
According to Mr. Zulu, the late President’s body belongs to the family, not the government, especially since Mr. Lungu lost all his presidential benefits before he passed away.
He also mentioned that the family is pleased the issue is now in court, where the legal rights of both the family and the state regarding Mr. Lungu’s burial will be decided.
This statement follows Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa’s announcement at a press briefing that talks between the family and the government were still ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Zambian government is expected to submit its updated notice of motion and supplementary affidavit on Friday, July 4, 2025, requesting the return of Mr. Lungu’s body.
The Lungu family has also been instructed to submit their arguments and list of authorities by July 24, 2025, in preparation for the court hearing scheduled for August 4, 2025.
President Lungu passed away on June 5, 2025, in South Africa.
After a disagreement between the family and the Zambian government, the family decided to bury him in South Africa. However, on June 25, 2025, the Pretoria High Court stopped the burial until the legal proceedings are resolved.
