Zambian Government Files Urgent Court Case in South Africa to Halt Edgar Lungu’s Burial

Edgar Lungu (above) and his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema, had a tense relationship dating back many years

The Zambian government has filed an urgent application in a South African court to block the burial of former President Edgar Lungu, intensifying a bitter dispute with Lungu’s family over funeral arrangements.

According to reports from Zambian state media, the attorney general has asked the South African court to prevent the burial—scheduled for Wednesday—until the matter is resolved. This legal move follows the family’s decision to conduct a private burial in South Africa, rather than allow a full state funeral in Zambia.

Despite the court filing, Lungu’s family has reportedly insisted that the funeral will proceed as planned, saying they have not been served with any legal documents.

The dispute stems from longstanding animosity between the late Edgar Lungu and his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema. In his will, Lungu reportedly stated that Hichilema should not be present at his funeral. The family initially insisted on handling funeral arrangements, including the repatriation of the body from South Africa, where Lungu passed away. However, the Zambian government sought to take over the process, citing national significance.

Though an agreement for a state funeral was briefly reached, tensions reignited over specific details, prompting the family to cancel plans for a state funeral and proceed with a private burial abroad.

President Hichilema has since asserted that Lungu, as a former head of state, is “a national figure” and should be buried on Zambian soil.

In court filings, Attorney General Mulilo D. Kabesha argues that a state funeral, including military honors, is a public event meant to honor national leaders and cannot be bypassed by personal or familial preferences. He is taking legal action against former First Lady Esther Lungu, four of Lungu’s children, family lawyer Makebi Zulu, and the funeral home where the body is being held.

Kabesha cited the 2021 case of Zambia’s founding president, Kenneth Kaunda, as precedent. Although Kaunda’s family had requested he be buried next to his wife, the government proceeded with burial at Embassy Memorial Park in Lusaka in line with national protocols.

This ongoing legal and political row highlights the deep-seated tensions between Lungu and Hichilema, which date back to their political rivalry. During Lungu’s presidency, Hichilema was once arrested and held for more than 100 days on treason charges, after his convoy allegedly failed to yield to Lungu’s motorcade.