A South African court has rejected the appeal from the family of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu to have his remains buried in South Africa. Lungu, who served as Zambia’s president from 2015 until 2021, passed away in June 2025 while being treated in South Africa. His family aimed to inter him in Johannesburg to prevent current Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema from attending or speaking at the funeral.
The Pretoria High Court had previously affirmed the Zambian government’s right to repatriate Lungu’s body for a state funeral in Lusaka, adhering to national protocols for former presidents. The family contested this decision, but the court dismissed their appeal, indicating there were no reasonable prospects for success. The court noted that the specifics of the case were unlikely to arise again.
This legal battle reflects the deep-rooted political rivalry between Lungu and Hichilema, which included Hichilema’s imprisonment in 2017 during Lungu’s presidency and subsequent claims of governmental harassment after Lungu’s term ended. The court’s ruling emphasizes the priority of national interests and state protocol over personal desires in the context of state funerals.
Consequently, Lungu’s remains are set to be returned to Zambia for burial in Lusaka, consistent with the country’s traditions of honoring its former leaders.
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I cant believe the court denied the familys request! What a controversial decision, but hey, thats the law for you.
I cant believe the court denied the familys request to bury the former President in South Africa. What do you all think about this decision?
I cant believe the court denied the familys request. Its their right to bury him in their own country. Unfair decision!
I cant believe the court denied the familys request! What do you all think about this decision? Should they have been allowed to inter him in the country?
I cant believe the court denied the familys request! Do you think its fair to not allow former President Lungu to be interred in South Africa?
I cant believe they wont let Lungu be buried in South Africa! Whats the harm in granting the familys wish? Seems harsh.