By Mubanga Mubanga
Late former president Edgar Lungu’s family says justice has been served and they must now be allowed the space and peace to honour the dignity and wishes of the sixth Republican president.
The South African Supreme Court yesterday ruled I’m favour of the family in the Edgar Lungu repatriation case.
The court ruled that the constitutional rights of the family must be protected against excessive state power, adding that the government had no legal basis to dictate burial arrangements.
Commenting on the judgment, family spokesperson Makebi Zulu stated that the family was focussed on honouring the memory, dignity and wishes of Lungu.
“As we receive this judgment, our focus remains on honouring the memory, dignity, and wishes of the late President Edgar Chagwa Lungu. We call upon all parties to respect the Court’s decision and to allow the family the space and peace necessary to proceed in accordance with the law and the wishes of their departed loved one,” he stated.
Zulu stated that the judgment had provided clarity and finality on a matter that has caused immense pain and uncertainty for the family.
In a statement issued over the judgment, Zulu stated that the judgment reinforced the principle that no individual and institution was above the law.
“This decision reinforces the principle that no individual or institution is above the law and that disputes, no matter how emotional or politically sensitive, must be resolved through legal processes and judicial determination. We commend the judiciary of South Africa for its independence, impartiality, and commitment to justice. The judgment provides clarity and finality on a matter that has caused immense pain and uncertainty for the family during a period of profound grief,” Zulu stated.
Zulu stated that the judgment was a significant vindication of the rule of law, constitutionalism and the fundamental principles of human dignity.
“This judgment is a significant vindication of the rule of law, constitutionalism, and the fundamental principles of human dignity, family autonomy, and respect for the expressed wishes of the deceased,” stated Zulu. “The Court has spoken clearly, and justice has been served. We are grateful that the Court carefully considered the facts and the law, ultimately recognizing that the rights of the family and the wishes of the late President must be respected.”
