A South African judge on Wednesday stopped a planned Johannesburg funeral for Zambia’s former president Edgar Lungu, giving Lusaka until 4 July to justify its demand for the body’s return.
Lungu, who led Zambia from 2015 to 2021, died on 5 June while undergoing medical treatment in South Africa. His family insists he wished to be laid to rest in Johannesburg without the attendance of his political rival, President Hakainde Hichilema.
Zambia’s government, citing tradition and protocol, petitioned Pretoria’s High Court for a stay, arguing the late leader should receive a state funeral in Lusaka alongside the country’s other presidents.
Deputy Judge President Aubrey Phago Ledwaba said lawyers for both sides had agreed to suspend the burial while talks continue. Zambia’s attorney-general Mulilo Kabesha told reporters negotiations with the family would resume before the next hearing.
Family spokesman Makebi Zulu repeated their distrust of Hichilema, saying they doubted the government would grant Lungu “a dignified send-off.”
The former president’s tenure drew mixed reviews: he championed an ambitious road-building drive but left public finances heavily indebted. Lungu had hoped to run again in 2026, but the Constitutional Court ruled last year that a third bid would violate the two-term limit.
Instead of Wednesday’s graveside ceremony, mourners attended a prayer service at a Johannesburg Catholic cathedral.