A South African court has ruled that the Zambian government can repatriate the body of former President Edgar Lungu and accord him a state funeral, despite opposition from his family.
Lungu, who served as Zambia’s president from 2015 to 2021, died in June in South Africa. His family had wanted him buried there privately, but the Pretoria High Court ordered them to “immediately surrender” his body to Zambian authorities.
Judge Aubrey Ledwaba ruled that the government was “entitled to repatriate the body of the late president,” a decision that left Lungu’s relatives visibly distraught.
The Zambian state welcomed the verdict, noting that while it mourned alongside the family, Lungu “belongs to the nation.” Attorney General Mulilo D. Kabesha said the decision was not a government victory but “what makes good sense,” adding: “When you are the father of the nation, you can’t restrict yourself to your immediate family.”
The dispute stemmed from a long-standing feud between Lungu and his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema. According to his family, Lungu had expressed that Hichilema should not attend his funeral. Initially, the family and government agreed on a state funeral, but relations broke down over the details, prompting the family to opt for a South African burial.
Lungu, 68, died from an undisclosed illness. After losing the 2021 election to Hichilema by a wide margin, he briefly stepped away from politics before returning to public life.
Kabesha described the ruling as a “sound judgment” and a “learning curve” for anyone aspiring to the presidency, while acknowledging the family’s right to appeal
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