The government of Zambia takes lungu family to court
27 June 2025
The Government of Zambia has indeed taken the Lungu family to court in a bid to stop the burial of former President Edgar Lungu in South Africa. Here's what's unfolding¹ ²:
- *The Government's Argument*: The Zambian government, led by President Hakainde Hichilema, claims it has a constitutional obligation to determine the burial of former presidents in Zambia. They argue that Lungu should be given a state funeral with full military honors and customs.
- *The Family's Stance*: The Lungu family, however, has objected to the government's arrangements, citing personal and political concerns. They claim it was Lungu's dying wish that President Hichilema "should not come anywhere near his body". The family wants to bury him privately in South Africa.
- *Court Proceedings*: The case is being heard in the Pretoria High Court in South Africa. The court has set a schedule for the case, with the Zambian government required to file its official response by July 4, and the Lungu family responding by July 11. A final court hearing is scheduled for August 4.
- *Current Status*: The burial has been halted pending the outcome of the court case. The South African court has prevented the Lungu family from burying him in Johannesburg, at least for now.
This case highlights a bitter dispute between the Zambian government and the Lungu family over the former president's final resting place.
- *The Government's Argument*: The Zambian government, led by President Hakainde Hichilema, claims it has a constitutional obligation to determine the burial of former presidents in Zambia. They argue that Lungu should be given a state funeral with full military honors and customs.
- *The Family's Stance*: The Lungu family, however, has objected to the government's arrangements, citing personal and political concerns. They claim it was Lungu's dying wish that President Hichilema "should not come anywhere near his body". The family wants to bury him privately in South Africa.
- *Court Proceedings*: The case is being heard in the Pretoria High Court in South Africa. The court has set a schedule for the case, with the Zambian government required to file its official response by July 4, and the Lungu family responding by July 11. A final court hearing is scheduled for August 4.
- *Current Status*: The burial has been halted pending the outcome of the court case. The South African court has prevented the Lungu family from burying him in Johannesburg, at least for now.
This case highlights a bitter dispute between the Zambian government and the Lungu family over the former president's final resting place.
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