South African Court Orders Repatriation of Fmr. Zambian Pres. Edgar Lungu’s Body for State Funeral

In a dramatic legal turn, a South African court has ordered that the body of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu be repatriated for a state funeral, rejecting his family’s bid for a private burial in Pretoria.

The Pretoria High Court delivered the ruling on Friday, instructing relatives to “immediately surrender” Lungu’s remains to Zambian authorities.

The decision triggered emotional scenes in the courtroom, with the late leader’s elder sister, Bertha, breaking down in tears.

The  68-year-old died in June after a brief illness while living in South Africa. His family argued he wished to exclude his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema, from attending and sought to control funeral arrangements.

The Zambian government countered that, as a former head of state, Lungu “belongs to the nation” and must be honoured accordingly.

Presiding Judge Aubrey Ledwaba sided with the state, ruling it was legally entitled to repatriate the body. Attorney General Mulilo D Kabesha hailed the judgment as “not a victory for the government, but for common sense,” adding, “When you are the father of a nation, your legacy cannot be limited to your immediate family.”

Lungu served as Zambia’s sixth president from 2015 until his landslide defeat to Hichilema in 2021.

Though he briefly retired from politics, he later returned to public life amid tensions with the current administration.

It is unclear whether the family will appeal, but preparations for a state funeral in Lusaka are expected to proceed.