The South African High Court has reserved judgment in the case concerning the repatriation of the remains of Zambia’s late former President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, after the parties jointly requested that proceedings be adjourned sine die.
The Latin term, meaning “without a day,” indicates that the matter has been suspended indefinitely, with no date set for resumption. Legal experts explain that this does not end the case but places it in limbo until one of the parties applies to revive it.
The development has fueled speculation that intensive background negotiations could pave the way for an out-of-court settlement, potentially breaking the deadlock that has prolonged the process since President Lungu’s death was announced months ago.
For many Zambians, the delay prolongs the uncertainity, denying citizens the opportunity to see their former head of state laid to rest with dignity on home soil. Zambia is accustomed to swift state funerals for national leaders, and the protracted legal and diplomatic wrangling has tested patience while raising questions about unity, closure, and respect for tradition.
Analysts say the adjournment reflects both the sensitivity of the matter and the willingness of the parties to seek common ground outside the courtroom. The dispute touches on delicate intersections of family wishes, state obligations, and diplomatic procedures.
Until a resolution is found, the body of the late president remains in Pretoria. The way forward now lies in either a negotiated compromise, the family’s withdrawal of the appeal, or a reactivation of the court process.
Common……..
What can be difficult of burying a dead
man ??????………
Unless of course if there is extra burial discussions regarding confiscated businesses……
FWD2031
Both parties are losers as case is in south Africa with their lawyers and both zambian
Parties have to foot the bills.
Imagine if put up the same fight in addressing loadsheding and fighting poverty and corruption….but we rather fight for the dead…typical African mentality
I can only imagine your imagination. Also don’t forget that there is an ego to take care of from both parties.
Sort out loadshedding
If anything the SA government did not even want to arbitrate the matter. It is a diplomatic shame for SA to declare a winner. And if there is any chance of this dispite being sorted out of court the better for that government. See them instead wait to see the light and not the train in the tunnel end.
ECL was not a South African citizen or president so he has no right to be buried there.Let’s refocus on the needs of the living.
Dear Lungu Family
If you really want to bury him is South Africa, you can go ahead
on just one condition. Let the Zambian government and NOT the
UPND party to inspect corpse to make it him since there’s use of
a different identity entering South Africa. Unless you’re hiding
something, this is a fair shake.
Family has always wanted to bury in Zambia. It is the mingalato way of doing things which is complicating the situation