The legal battle over the burial of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has entered a new phase, with his family filing an appeal against a South African court ruling that ordered the repatriation of his remains to Zambia for a state funeral.
Zambia’s Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha confirmed on Monday that the Pretoria High Court has yet to set a date to hear the family’s application for leave to appeal.
The appeal papers were filed electronically on 8 August, a day after the court ruled that Lungu’s body be returned to Lusaka for burial at Embassy Park, the official resting place for Zambian heads of state.
The Pretoria High Court had ordered the immediate surrender of Lungu’s remains to Zambian authorities, affirming the government’s right to honour the late president with a state funeral.
The ruling followed a two-month standoff between the Zambian government and Lungu’s family who had planned a private burial in Johannesburg, citing the former president’s alleged wish to avoid a funeral attended by his political rival, President Hakainde Hichilema.
The family disputes the court’s finding that an agreement had been reached in June to repatriate the body, arguing that the full context of discussions was not adequately considered.
If granted, the appeal will be heard by South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal.
Lungu died in Johannesburg in June while receiving medical treatment.
His death triggered a national mourning period in Zambia but also exposed deep divisions between his family and the state over funeral arrangements.
The dispute is rooted in a long-standing feud between Lungu and Hichilema who defeated him in the 2021 presidential election.
Kabesha said the government remains open to dialogue with the family.
Until the appeal is resolved, Lungu’s remains will remain in South Africa.
JN/APA