Court hands Lungu’s remains to Zambia government

The High Court in Pretoria has formally transferred the remains of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu to the Zambian Government, marking a decisive legal turn in the prolonged dispute over his burial.

Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha confirmed the development in a statement issued on April 22, 2026, stating that the court action followed the family’s failure to proceed with its case before South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal. The ruling has now placed control of the late leader’s remains under the Zambian state.

The remains, which had been kept at Two Mountains Burial Services, have since been moved to a facility under the South African Government. The transfer effectively executes an earlier court directive issued in August 2025, which authorised the release of the body to Zambia for repatriation and burial arrangements.

The development comes after months of unresolved disagreement between the family and the Zambian Government over funeral plans, a situation that had delayed the burial since Lungu’s death in South Africa on June 5, 2025.

Kabesha said the Government would now engage the family to conclude burial arrangements, with further details to be communicated once consensus is reached. The shift signals a transition from legal contest to administrative coordination, with the state now responsible for the next steps in returning the former Head of State to Zambia.

No immediate response from the family was included in the statement, leaving open how both sides will align on the final arrangements following the court’s intervention. The relocation of the remains to a South African Government facility also clarifies earlier uncertainty around their custody after reports that the body had been removed from a private funeral parlour.

The High Court’s enforcement of its prior ruling now sets the stage for the repatriation process, bringing the matter closer to resolution after months of legal and administrative deadlock.

Full Statement 

PRESS STATEMENT BY MR. MULILO KABESHA SC
ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA
For Immediate Release
22nd April 2026

HIGH COURT TRANSFERS FORMER PRESIDENT’S REMAINS TO THE ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT

The Government of the Republic of Zambia wishes to confirm that the High Court in Pretoria has today, Wednesday 22nd April 2026, formally transferred the mortal remains of the Sixth Republican President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, to the Zambian Government. This development follows the former President’s family’s inability to proceed with their case before the South African Supreme Court of Appeal. The mortal remains of the former President have since been relocated from Two Mountains Burial Services (PTY) Limited to a facility managed by the South African Government.

In its 8th August 2025 ruling, the Pretoria High Court directed that the body be released to the Zambian Government to facilitate preparations for repatriation and burial in Zambia.

In line with the court’s directive, the Government will engage with the former President’s family to finalize burial arrangements. The nation will be informed of the agreed-upon details in due course.

ISSUED;
Mr. Mulilo Kabesha SC
ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA