Zambian Ex-President Lungu’s Burial Dispute Reaches South African Court
The question of where former Zambian President Edgar Lungu’s remains should rest has reached a South African appeals court, almost a year after his passing. Lungu, who led Zambia from 2015 until 2021, succumbed to an undisclosed illness on June 5, 2025, in a South African medical facility at the age of 68.
The controversy centers around a disagreement between Lungu’s family and the sitting Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema. While President Hichilema advocates for Lungu’s body to be returned to Zambia for an official state ceremony, the family prefers a South African burial due to their opposition to Hichilema’s involvement in the funeral arrangements.
In August, the Pretoria High Court ruled in favor of the Zambian government, allowing the body to be handed over to Zambian officials for repatriation. However, Lungu’s family contested this decision, bringing the matter before South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal.
During the appeal proceedings in Bloemfontein, family attorney Tembeka Ngcukaitobi argued against the Zambian government’s claim, stating, “Lungu’s presidential benefits were revoked prior to his death.” He emphasized that the widow’s wishes should be prioritized in deciding the burial location.
Conversely, Ben Stoop, representing the Zambian government, maintained that there was a prior agreement with the family that Hichilema would attend the funeral and host dignitaries, a pact which he claims was later ignored by the family.
The panel of five justices interrogated the absence of any explicit directive indicating Lungu’s preference for a South African burial, despite possible indications that he would not have wanted his funeral conducted by his successor.
No date has been given for when the court will deliver its decision.
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