South African Court Upholds Zambia's Bid for Lungu's Repatriation

Johannesburg, Aug 8 (AP) – A South African court ruled on Friday in favor of the Zambian government, allowing them to repatriate and bury the remains of former President Edgar Lungu in Zambia, despite opposition from his family.

The Zambian government and Lungu's family have been in a legal dispute over his final resting place since his death in June at a South African hospital at age 68.

Lungu's family wished for him to be buried in South Africa and did not want current President Hakainde Hichilema involved in the funeral proceedings.

They claimed it was Lungu's wish that Hichilema stay away from his burial, yet the government contested the burial location in court.

On Friday, the court ruled that Zambia has the right to conduct a state funeral for its former leader.

"The court emphasized the importance of state funerals for national figures, citing public interest and protocol, even when a president expresses a preference against it," stated Judge President Aubrey Ledwaba.

Lungu and Hichilema had a contentious political history; Hichilema was imprisoned in 2017 under Lungu's presidency.

Last year, Lungu accused the Hichilema administration of harassment and restriction. His family also alleged that the government initially obstructed his travel to South Africa for medical treatment, an accusation the government refuted.

Zambia's Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha expressed satisfaction with the court's decision, stating it was a matter of national appropriateness rather than victory.

"This is not about winning a burial dispute. It is about the former President of Zambia being laid to rest in his homeland, where he served as leader," Kabesha remarked.

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