A court in Pretoria has ordered Zambian authorities to return the body of former president Edgar Lungu, just hours after the government in Zambia claimed it had taken possession of his remains.
The ruling marks the latest turn in a protracted legal and political standoff over Lungu’s burial, stemming from a long-running feud with his successor, Hakainde Hichilema.
Zambia’s government has insisted that Lungu, who led the country from 2015 to 2021, should receive a state funeral and be buried at the official presidential burial site in Lusaka. However, his family has pushed for a private burial, citing disagreements over funeral arrangements.
The dispute escalated last year when a South African court initially ruled in favour of the Zambian government, allowing the repatriation of the body. Lungu’s family appealed the decision, arguing for control over burial proceedings.
Late Wednesday, Zambian officials announced that the body had been “formally transferred” to the state, claiming the family had failed to proceed with their appeal. But within hours, the same court reversed course, ordering the body to be returned pending a new hearing scheduled for 21 May.
Further complicating the situation, Two Mountains Burial Services—the funeral home that had been holding Lungu’s remains—reportedly refused to receive the body again, asking the family to make alternative arrangements.
Family spokesperson Makebi Zulu rejected the government’s claim that the appeal had lapsed, insisting proper legal procedures were followed.
Lungu died at the age of 68 in Pretoria after an undisclosed illness. His death triggered confusion and competing narratives, with both the government and his political party, the Patriotic Front, issuing conflicting statements, including rival mourning periods.
The tensions reflect a deep political rivalry between Lungu and Hichilema, who defeated him in the 2021 election after years as opposition leader. According to the family, Lungu had explicitly stated he did not want Hichilema present at his funeral or “anywhere near” his body.
The case is set to return to court in May, leaving the final decision over Lungu’s burial unresolved.