Makebi Zulu: Court delay on Lungu burial is a chance to share the Edgar Lungu story

The family of the late former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has called the delay of his burial a key moment to share what they refer to as “the Edgar Lungu story.”

Family spokesperson and lawyer, Makebi Zulu, mentioned that the legal action taken by Zambia’s Attorney General to stop the planned burial in Johannesburg gives them a chance to reveal the truth about Mr. Lungu’s legacy and how he was treated in his last years.

“This is a chance for us to share a great story about President Edgar Chagwa Lungu — how he lived, how he served the country, and how he was let down by the system,” Mr. Zulu said to reporters after the court stopped the burial. “Now that he has passed away, they want to act like they treated him well.”

Mr. Lungu passed away in South Africa on June 5 and was supposed to be buried today, June 25. However, due to the legal action by Zambia’s Attorney General, the South African court has put the burial on hold. The Attorney General has until July 3 to submit its application regarding bringing Mr. Lungu’s body back to Zambia, while the family has until July 4 to reply. The court is set to discuss the case on July 18, unless it gets sorted out peacefully before that.

Mr. Zulu emphasized that former President Lungu deserves a respectful farewell, something he believes the current President, Hakainde Hichilema, cannot provide.

“Those who care for him would prefer he gets a respectful farewell, and President Hakainde Hichilema is not able to give him that. President Lungu has refused to be buried without the truth being told,” Mr. Zulu stated.

He confirmed that the family will keep pushing for a respectful and honorable burial that is fitting for the former Head of State.