Zambian Government Takes Possession of Ex-President Edgar Lungu's Body from South Africa

The Zambian government has taken possession of the body of former President Edgar Lungu from South Africa, ten months after his death, a move confirmed by Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha. This action was taken against the wishes of Lungu's family, who had sought a private burial.

Lungu, who led Zambia from 2015 to 2021, died last June, aged 68, in Pretoria. His successor, President Hakainde Hichilema, and Lungu maintained a publicly strained relationship.

The government insists that as a former head of state, Lungu merits a state funeral and burial alongside predecessors in Lusaka's presidential burial ground. However, negotiations with Lungu's family over funeral arrangements failed.

A South African court ruled last August that Zambia's government could repatriate the body for a state funeral. Although the family appealed this decision, the Attorney General stated that the transfer proceeded due to their "inability to proceed with their case" at the appeals court. Lungu family spokesman Makebi Zulu disputes this, asserting the appeals process was not exhausted.

Lungu's family lawyers have now filed an urgent application with the South African High Court, seeking the return of the former president's body to the funeral home where it was originally held.