By Staff Reporter
The government yesterday commenced legal proceedings in the Gauteng Division of the High Court of South Africa against members of late former president Edgar Lungu’s family and family spokesperson Makebi Zulu from proceeding to bury the remains of the late former president in South Africa.
But PF chairperson for information Emmanuel Mwamba described the moves by government as desperate antics.
The action has extended to the Two Mountains Pty (the Morgue), where D Lungu’s remains are currently held, as a respondent.
Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha submitted that no burial must take place until all disputes regarding Lungu’s final resting place were resolved.
Kabesha is seeking an interim court order to prevent the burial of Lungu who died in South Africa about three weeks ago.
Kabesha argued that no burial should take place until all disputes regarding Lungu’s final resting place were resolved—specifically, whether he should be interred in Zambia with full military honours, customs, and traditions, as mandated by Zambian law and in keeping with public interest.
Kabesha submitted that a state funeral for a former Zambian Head of State is a formal public event governed by strict military protocols and intended to honour individuals of national significance.
Kabesha further argued that, even if it were true— a point he denies— that the late president wished not to have a state funeral, such personal wishes must yield to the greater public interest.
The Attorney General also cites legal precedent, noting that the Zambian courts previously set aside the burial wishes of the nation’s founding President, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, in favour of public interest considerations relating to interment at Embassy Park.
Those named in the lawsuit include former First Lady Esther Nyawa Lungu, Bertha Lungu, Tasila Lungu, Chiyesu Lungu, Dalitso Lungu, Charles Phiri, and Makebi Zulu.
According to Online platform Kalemba, the action has been brought before the Pretoria High Court under Article 177(5)(c) of the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia, in the Attorney General’s capacity as government representative and protector of the Zambian public interest.
Hearing of the Interim Interdict Application against the burial is expected to be heard tomorrow, Wednesday 25th June 2025 at 08:00hrs in the morning.
Lungu is due to be buried today in South Africa. The family decided to bury him in South Africa following disputes with how his remains were going to be transported and funeral handled.
