Lungu Family Triumphs: Private Burial Secured After Fierce Legal Battle, Bishops Urge Calm

The South African Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has delivered a significant judgment concerning the repatriation and burial of former President Edgar Lungu, ruling in favour of the Lungu family. This decision overturned an earlier Pretoria High Court ruling that had authorized the Zambian Government to repatriate the former Head of State’s remains for a state funeral in Zambia. The SCA's verdict affirmed the family’s legal right to determine the late president’s burial arrangements, as they had opted for a private funeral in South Africa.

Following the SCA's decision, the Zambian Government, through the Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana, reaffirmed its commitment to complying with the judgment. Kawana stated that despite the Government’s disagreement with the ruling, it has resolved not to appeal the matter to the Constitutional Court of South Africa. He clarified that the Lungu family is now at liberty to hold a private burial in Zambia without requiring Government approval, as the matter has transitioned into a private family affair.

Kawana further explained that the Zambian Government's involvement over the past year was driven by a desire to honour former President Lungu in line with established national practice, where all deceased former presidents of Zambia are laid to rest at Embassy Park with full state honours. Consequently, the burial site that had been prepared at Embassy Park in Lusaka for former President Lungu now remains uncertain, with the Government yet to issue a directive on its future use.

While acknowledging that the Government had hoped to provide Zambians an opportunity to mourn and honour the former President on home soil, Kawana emphasized that it respects the family’s decision. He also confirmed that former President Lungu would continue to be recognized as a former Head of State during future national remembrance activities, upholding the dignity of the office he once held.

In response to the ruling, the Bishops Council of Zambia urged calm and respect for the rule of law. Council Vice President, Agness Pushi, commended the Zambian Government for its decision not to pursue further legal action after the appellate court’s judgment. She highlighted the church's welcome of this move and called upon all parties involved to allow the burial process to proceed peacefully.

Bishop Pushi further urged Zambians to embrace reconciliation following the legal dispute over the late former president’s remains. The Bishops Council extended its prayers to the Lungu family, expressing hope that all arrangements for laying their loved one to rest with dignity would proceed smoothly. They appealed to all stakeholders to respect the court’s decision and ensure the burial arrangements are conducted peacefully.