A Pretoria high court has authorized the Zambian government to repatriate the body of former President Edgar Lungu for a state funeral, rejecting his family's request for a private burial in South Africa.
Court Approves Zambia's Repatriation of Former President Lungu's Body
Court Approves Zambia's Repatriation of Former President Lungu's Body
High court ruling empowers Zambian government amid family dispute over funeral
The Pretoria high court has made a significant ruling allowing the Zambian government to repatriate the body of Edgar Lungu, the nation's former president, for a state funeral, despite his family's efforts to organize a private burial in South Africa, where he passed away in June. The Mexican legal body determined that the interest of the public outweighed personal wishes, as the Zambian lawyers made a case against the family's request during the proceedings.
Judge Aubrey Ledwaba emphasized that the Zambian authorities have the right to manage the repatriation, instructing Lungu's family to promptly hand over the body. There were no further financial orders relating to the emergency application filed. Initially, there was an agreement between the government and Lungu’s family regarding the arrangements for a state funeral. However, tensions escalated leading to a disagreement over final plans, which resulted in the family's desire to conduct a private burial service in South Africa.
Edgar Lungu held the presidency from 2015 until his defeat by Hakainde Hichilema in the 2021 elections. After stepping back from the political arena, Lungu made a limited return to partisan engagements. This recent legal development reflects ongoing complexities surrounding his legacy and the dynamics between his family and the current leadership of Zambia. Further updates and details surrounding this case are imminent.
Judge Aubrey Ledwaba emphasized that the Zambian authorities have the right to manage the repatriation, instructing Lungu's family to promptly hand over the body. There were no further financial orders relating to the emergency application filed. Initially, there was an agreement between the government and Lungu’s family regarding the arrangements for a state funeral. However, tensions escalated leading to a disagreement over final plans, which resulted in the family's desire to conduct a private burial service in South Africa.
Edgar Lungu held the presidency from 2015 until his defeat by Hakainde Hichilema in the 2021 elections. After stepping back from the political arena, Lungu made a limited return to partisan engagements. This recent legal development reflects ongoing complexities surrounding his legacy and the dynamics between his family and the current leadership of Zambia. Further updates and details surrounding this case are imminent.
