In a dramatic turn of events, the Pretoria High Court has issued a last-minute ruling halting the burial of Zambia’s former president, Edgar Lungu, just hours before his planned interment on Wednesday, June 25.
The decision follows an intense legal and emotional battle between Lungu’s family and the Zambian government, a feud that has been simmering for weeks and erupted into public view as mourners gathered in South Africa for what was expected to be a final farewell.
Hundreds had assembled for the burial ceremony, only to learn of the court’s intervention, which threw the proceedings into uncertainty.
The abrupt halt cast a somber and tense atmosphere over what was meant to be a solemn day of remembrance.
The dispute centres on conflicting views over where and how the former head of state should be laid to rest.
While Lungu’s family reportedly sought to honour his personal wishes, the Zambian government insisted on state protocols and arrangements, sparking a legal battle that culminated in Wednesday’s ruling.
“This is not just about a burial.
It’s about dignity, respect, and fulfilling the wishes of a man who led a nation,” said a close family member who spoke outside the courthouse.
The Pretoria High Court’s decision has reignited debate over how governments handle the legacies of former leaders, particularly when personal and political interests collide.
The ruling also raised broader questions about the rights of families in the face of state authority.
Lungu, who served as Zambia’s sixth president from 2015 to 2021, passed away earlier this month while receiving treatment in South Africa.
He was 68.
As the legal wrangling continues, the final resting place of the former president remains undecided, leaving a nation and its diaspora in limbo, waiting for resolution and a proper farewell.
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