Lungu passed away in June at a hospital in SA, where he had been receiving treatment for cancer. However, a dispute between his family and the Zambian government delayed burial arrangements, resulting in a legal battle over where his final resting place should be.
The late President’s family had insisted on burying him in SA, claiming it was in line with his wishes, particularly that President Hakainde Hichilema should not attend his funeral. Relations between Lungu and his successor had been tense, with a long-standing political feud reportedly continuing until his death.
In response, the Zambian government approached the court to block the burial in SA arguing that a former Head of State should be laid to rest in his home country, in accordance with national protocols and honours.
The court has now ruled that Lungu’s remains must be returned to Zambia, bringing an end to the standoff and clearing the way for an official state funeral, although it remains unclear whether the family will now participate in the government-led proceedings.
–SABC–
