A South African court has ruled in favor of the Zambian government, allowing it to repatriate the body of former President Edgar Lungu for a state funeral despite opposition from his family.
The Pretoria High Court ordered Lungu’s family to immediately surrender his body to authorities.
The dispute arose from a long-standing feud between Lungu and his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema, with Lungu’s family saying he had indicated Hichilema should not attend his funeral.
The Zambian government argued that Lungu did not specify in his will how or where he wished to be buried and, as a beneficiary under the Former Presidents’ Benefits Act, it should be presumed that he intended to be given a state funeral in accordance with Zambian customs and traditions.
The family, however, insists that they are not opposed to burying Lungu in Zambia but emphasize that his final wishes must be respected.
The court’s ruling enables the Zambian government to proceed with repatriating Lungu’s remains and conducting a state funeral, honoring his service as a former head of state.
The family had wanted a private funeral in South Africa, citing the government’s alleged mistreatment of Lungu during his lifetime, including denying him medical attention.
The legal tug-of-war over burial rights has delayed Lungu’s burial for over two months, with his body still lying in a funeral home in South Africa.
