A high-stakes legal battle over the final resting place of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu reached a turning point on Friday, as the Pretoria High Court ruled that his remains must be returned to Zambia for a state burial, overstaying the vocal objections of his family.
The ruling concludes—at least for now—a bitter two-month dispute between the Zambian government and Lungu’s relatives, which had left the former leader’s body in a state of diplomatic and legal limbo.
Lungu, who governed Zambia from 2015 to 2021, passed away on June 5 while receiving medical treatment in South Africa. The Zambian government, led by his successor and long-time rival Hakainde Hichilema, immediately sought to organize a formal state funeral in the capital, Lusaka.
However, Lungu’s family resisted, citing the late leader’s personal wish not to have Hichilema present at his funeral. They had attempted to proceed with a private burial in Johannesburg on June 25, only to be blocked by a last-minute court injunction.
In a landmark decision, the Pretoria High Court emphasized that the protocols of statehood supersede individual preferences.
“A former president’s personal wishes or the wishes of his family cannot outweigh the right of the state to honour that individual with a state funeral,” the court stated.
The judge ordered that Lungu’s body be handed over “immediately” to representatives of the Zambian court system for repatriation.
The legal tug-of-war is set against a backdrop of deep political animosity. Since Lungu lost the 2021 election.
His wife and children have faced numerous charges, including money laundering and possession of proceeds of crime.
The family maintains these legal actions are a “political vendetta” orchestrated by the current administration.
Following the ruling, Lungu’s sister, Bertha, was seen in tears, while the Patriotic Front party confirmed they have already filed an appeal.
Zambian Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha welcomed the ruling, noting that it aligns with the tradition of honoring all Zambian presidents since the country gained independence from the UK in 1964.
