Zim GBC News Network
PRETORIA/LUSAKA – The family of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has denied claims of ongoing burial discussions with the Zambian government, stating they are instead awaiting a Pretoria High Court decision on their application for leave to appeal a ruling ordering the repatriation of Lungu’s body.
The clarification comes after Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema announced on Monday that government officials were “still engaging with members of the former First Family in South Africa” regarding the burial arrangements.
Makebi Zulu, spokesperson for the Lungu family, explicitly contradicted the president’s statement.
“There are no ongoing talks with the Zambian government regarding Mr. Lungu’s burial site,” Zulu stated.
“The family is instead awaiting the Pretoria High Court’s decision on our application for leave to appeal its ruling ordering the repatriation of Mr. Lungu’s body for a state funeral in Zambia.”
The legal battle continues after South Africa’s Constitutional Court recently dismissed a direct appeal by the Lungu family, upholding the Pretoria High Court ruling that mandates the repatriation of the former president’s body to Zambia for a state funeral.
Zulu added that “the Constitutional Court advised the family to take their direct appeal to the Supreme Court,” indicating potential further legal avenues if their current application succeeds.
The Lungu family, led by widow Esther Lungu, has sought to block the Zambian government’s efforts to repatriate the former president’s remains, currently held at Two Mountains Mortuary in South Africa. The family cites Lungu’s wish for a private burial in South Africa and their rights to dignity, privacy, and family autonomy under South African law.
The dispute has drawn significant attention across Southern Africa, highlighting tensions between state protocols and personal family wishes regarding the burial of former leaders.
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