Background of the Dispute
Former Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu passed away on June 5, 2025 while receiving medical care in Pretoria, South Africa. After his death, a legal battle began over where his body should be laid to rest. The Zambian government sought to bring him home for a state funeral, while his family argued he wished to be buried privately in South Africa.
Court Rulings and the Family’s Appeal
In August 2025, the Gauteng High Court decided that the Zambian authorities could repatriate Lungu’s remains for a state funeral. The family opposed this ruling and tried to overturn it, including filing an appeal with the Supreme Court of Appeal. Their appeal was dismissed because they missed the required deadlines.
Supreme Court Intervention
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court stepped in. It ordered that Lungu’s body be returned to Two Mountains Funeral Services—or another mortuary chosen by the family—and directed several parties to explain why they should not be held in contempt of court. The matter is set for another hearing on May 21, 2026.
Family’s Reaction
Family spokesman Makebi Zulu released a statement condemning what they see as a blatant disregard for South African court orders and due process. He said the family feels the former president’s dignity is being violated.
What Happened on April 22?
According to the family, officials arrived at Two Mountains Funeral Services in Johannesburg on April 22. They claimed to be acting under a “lapsed” Supreme Court order dated August 25, 2025, and removed Lungu’s body without any family members present.
Transport to Forensic Services
The remains were reportedly taken to the Tshwane Forensic Pathology Service in Pretoria, where a post‑mortem file was opened. Zulu said a South African police officer falsely told the family that the cause of death was “suspected poisoning,” a claim he says has no basis in any medical report.
Court Order Ignored?
Later that night, the family rushed back to the Supreme Court and obtained an order demanding the immediate return of the body and requiring those involved to justify why they should not be held in contempt. Despite this order, the family alleges that an autopsy was performed on April 23—without their consent or authorization.
Release of the Remains
After the family’s legal team intervened, the body was finally released later that evening. Zulu described the events as a “serious abuse of power,” a desecration of the late president’s dignity, and a clear disregard for the rule of law.
Next Steps
The family now has custody of Lungu’s remains and says they are considering further legal action. Zulu emphasized that they will not abandon their loved one and will continue to fight for what they believe is his rightful resting place.
