The legal dispute concerning the burial of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has returned to court, with the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa granting the Lungu family permission to appeal a previous court order.
The order had directed that the late president’s body be repatriated to Zambia for a state funeral and burial. The latest court documents indicate that if the family fails to proceed with the appeal, they will be liable for associated costs.
The family is contesting a judgment by the South African High Court, which ruled in favor of surrendering Mr. Lungu’s remains to the Zambian government. The Lungu family argues that the High Court did not adequately consider their rights in its decision.
The case was initiated by Zambia’s Attorney General, Mulilo Kabesha, and has led to prolonged delays in burying Mr. Lungu, who passed away on June 5, 2025, while receiving medical treatment in South Africa. The impasse over funeral arrangements previously led the family to consider burying him in South Africa.
