The Pretoria High Court ruled in favor of the Zambian state, which had previously sought to prevent Lungu's family from conducting a private burial in South Africa, where he passed away in June. Lungu's family was insistent on controlling the funeral proceedings, arguing that his personal wishes should take precedence. However, state lawyers maintained that the broader public interest outweighed individual desires.
Judge Aubrey Ledwaba stated that the Zambian government had the right to repatriate Lungu's body and mandated his family to surrender it to the authorities without delay. No costs were awarded concerning the urgent application.
The crux of the dispute lies in a historical rivalry between Lungu and his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema. The family alleged that Lungu had expressed a wish for Hichilema to be absent from his funeral, creating tension in funeral plans. Initially, the Zambian government and Lungu's family agreed upon a state funeral; however, relations soured, leading the family to pursue a private burial in South Africa.
Edgar Lungu served as Zambia's president from 2015 until 2021, when he faced a decisive electoral defeat by Hichilema. After stepping away from the political arena, he returned briefly to public life before his death at the age of 68, reportedly due to an undisclosed illness.
As the situation continues to unfold, updates regarding the developments will follow. For real-time notifications, updates can be received through the BBC News App and on social media platforms.
Judge Aubrey Ledwaba stated that the Zambian government had the right to repatriate Lungu's body and mandated his family to surrender it to the authorities without delay. No costs were awarded concerning the urgent application.
The crux of the dispute lies in a historical rivalry between Lungu and his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema. The family alleged that Lungu had expressed a wish for Hichilema to be absent from his funeral, creating tension in funeral plans. Initially, the Zambian government and Lungu's family agreed upon a state funeral; however, relations soured, leading the family to pursue a private burial in South Africa.
Edgar Lungu served as Zambia's president from 2015 until 2021, when he faced a decisive electoral defeat by Hichilema. After stepping away from the political arena, he returned briefly to public life before his death at the age of 68, reportedly due to an undisclosed illness.
As the situation continues to unfold, updates regarding the developments will follow. For real-time notifications, updates can be received through the BBC News App and on social media platforms.
