South African Court Halts Zambia’s Ex-President Lungu’s Funeral Mid-Ceremony

In a dramatic legal twist, a South African court has abruptly halted the burial of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu, just as mourners gathered for his funeral service in Pretoria.

The last-minute ruling came amidst a bitter standoff between Lungu’s family and the Zambian government, which had planned to repatriate his body for a state funeral led by President Hakainde Hichilema.

However, Lungu’s family staunchly rejected the idea, citing deep political tensions and insisting the late leader would not have wanted Hichilema at his funeral.

Lungu, 68, died on June 5 while receiving medical treatment in South Africa. His death rekindled unresolved political rifts back home, where he ruled from 2015 until his electoral defeat in 2021.

Despite the Zambian government filing a lawsuit to prevent a private burial in South Africa, his family pressed forward until Wednesday’s judicial intervention.

The Gauteng High Court, ruling mid-ceremony, ordered the burial suspended following an agreement between the parties. “The respondents undertake not to proceed with the funeral or burial of the late president,” the judge declared, moments before interment was expected to begin.

Live coverage by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) showed a stunned crowd at the memorial venue as the decision was read. The case is now adjourned until August 4.

“The delay is deepening the grief and confusion for both the family and the Zambian people,” said Zambian lawmaker Chanda Katotobwe, speaking to SABC at the church service.

The Patriotic Front, Lungu’s political party, did not disclose the cause of death but confirmed he had been undergoing specialist treatment at a Pretoria clinic.