A court in South Africa has ordered that the body of former Zambian president Edgar Lungu be returned, just hours after Zambia’s government said it had taken possession of his remains.
The ruling marks the latest twist in a prolonged dispute between Lungu’s family and the Zambia government over his burial arrangements.
Conflicting court developments
Earlier, Zambian authorities announced that a court in Pretoria had authorised the transfer of Lungu’s body to the state, paving the way for a state funeral in Lusaka.
However, within hours, the same court reversed course, ordering that the body be returned pending further legal proceedings.
The matter is now expected to return to court on 21 May.
Dispute over burial plans
According to the BBC, the Zambian government has argued that Lungu, who served as president from 2015 to 2021, should receive a state burial alongside other former leaders in the capital.
But his family has pushed for a private funeral, citing his wishes and a strained relationship with current president Hakainde Hichilema.
The disagreement follows years of political tension between Lungu and Hichilema, who defeated him in the 2021 election.
Legal and logistical complications
The situation has been further complicated by uncertainty around the appeals process, with family spokesperson Makebi Zulu disputing claims that legal avenues had been exhausted.
In another development, Two Mountains Burial Services – where Lungu’s remains were being kept – has reportedly declined to continue holding the body, asking the family to make alternative arrangements.
Ongoing uncertainty
Lungu died at the age of 68 in Pretoria following an undisclosed illness.
Since then, confusion has surrounded funeral plans, with conflicting announcements from the government and his political party, the Patriotic Front.
With legal proceedings set to continue, the final decision on Lungu’s burial remains unresolved, prolonging uncertainty for both his family and the Zambian state.
