The Zambian government and the family of late President Edgar Lungu have entered negotiations in a bid to resolve a protracted dispute over the repatriation and burial of the former head of state ahead of a crucial court ruling in Pretoria.
The development emerged during a hearing at the Pretoria High Court on Friday where both parties jointly requested an adjournment in the Government’s application for leave to appeal a ruling that ordered the return of Lungu’s remains to Zambia.
The court granted the adjournment, rescheduling proceedings to 18 August.
Representing the Lungu family, senior counsel Tembeka Ngcukaitobi confirmed that discussions had resumed between the parties to explore a mutually acceptable resolution.
Ben Stoop appeared for the Zambian government.
The parties have agreed to engage further and require additional time to reach common ground, Ngcukaitobi told the court.
Deputy Judge President Aubrey Ledwaba said the court had been briefed on the renewed engagements and expressed optimism that a solution in the interest of all parties could be reached.
He urged both sides to use the adjournment to work towards consensus.
The legal impasse stems from conflicting burial preferences following Lungu’s death in South Africa two months ago.
The Zambian government is seeking to repatriate the late president’s body for a state funeral in Lusaka, while the Lungu family insists on a private burial in South Africa, citing personal reasons.
The outcome of the negotiations could determine whether the matter proceeds to appeal or is resolved out of court.
JN/APA