A court in South Africa has ordered the government to return Edgar Lungus body to Zambia. This decision was made hours after Zambian officials said they had taken control of his body.
The court ruling adds another layer to an tense dispute between Edgar Lungus family and the Zambian government over his burial arrangements.
Ongoing Dispute Over Burial Plans
- The Zambian government wants Edgar Lungu to have a state funeral. They want to bury him at the burial site in Lusaka.
- Edgar Lungus family strongly disagrees. They want a funeral and say talks with the government failed.
The disagreement has continued for months. Remains unresolved. Edgar Lungus family and the Zambian government are still in dispute over his burial plans.
Court Reverses Decision
Last year a High Court in Pretoria allowed Zambia to bring Edgar Lungus body back and proceed with a state funeral.. Edgar Lungus relatives were unhappy and filed an appeal.
Recently the government announced that the court had taken Edgar Lungus body into state custody. They claimed Edgar Lungus family failed to continue their challenge.
Within hours the same court issued a new order. It directed the government to return Edgar Lungus body until the case resumes on 21 May.
Funeral Home Refuses to Take Body
The situation became more complicated when Two Mountains Burial Services declined to accept Edgar Lungus body. The funeral home had been holding Edgar Lungus body earlier.
Political Tensions Behind the Conflict
Edgar Lungu served as president of Zambia from 2015 to 2021. During his time in office he had a relationship with his successor, Hakainde Hichilema.
Their rivalry continued even after Edgar Lungu left power. After Edgar Lungus death his family revealed that he did not want Hakainde Hichilema present at his funeral or near his body.
Confusion After Edgar Lungus Death
Edgar Lungu died at the age of 68 in Pretoria after an illness. Following his death confusion spread across the country.
Different groups shared conflicting updates. Authorities and Edgar Lungus political party announced mourning periods.
At one point people even saw two condolence books in circulation. This lack of coordination added to uncertainty and deepened the dispute, over Edgar Lungus burial.
