The burial impasse surrounding late former Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has taken a new turn after the matter returned to court in South Africa.
The Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa has granted the Lungu family leave to appeal against a High Court ruling that ordered the repatriation of Mr Lungu’s body to Zambia for a State funeral and burial. This decision allows the family to formally challenge the earlier judgement that directed them to surrender the former President’s remains to the Zambian Government.
Court documents further reveal that the Appeal Court has ruled that should the Lungu family fail to proceed with the appeal, they will be liable to pay legal costs associated with the matter.
The family is contesting the South African High Court’s earlier decision, arguing that it failed to adequately consider their constitutional and personal rights before ordering the repatriation of Mr Lungu’s body.
The legal battle was initiated by Zambia’s Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha, a move that has resulted in prolonged delays in laying the former Head of State to rest. Mr Lungu passed away on June 5, 2025, in South Africa, where he had travelled for medical treatment.
Disagreements between the Lungu family and the Zambian Government over funeral arrangements previously escalated, with the family at one point attempting to proceed with burial plans in South Africa, further deepening the standoff.
With the Appeal Court now granting permission for the case to proceed, the final burial arrangements for the late former President remain unresolved as the legal process continues.
