CAPE TOWN, South Africa — A legal battle over where former Zambian President Edgar Lungu’s remains will be buried has concluded, over a year after his passing. South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal ruled Tuesday in favor of Lungu’s family, rejecting the Zambian government’s demand for custody of his body.
The decision overturned an earlier South African court order requiring the family to transfer the remains to Zambia for burial at a national cemetery.
Lungu, who died in South Africa at age 68 on June 5, 2025, was initially intended by his family to be laid to rest there, contrary to Zambia’s customary protocols for former leaders.
The conflict reflected Lungu’s lingering political tensions with current Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, who had previously defeated him in elections. His body remained in a mortuary throughout the legal proceedings.
Lungu’s family emphasized their adherence to his explicit wishes, demanding Hichilema avoid any involvement with the remains or a state funeral in Zambia.
The family’s private funeral service in South Africa last June faced disruption when Zambian authorities initiated an urgent legal challenge citing constitutional burial requirements.
A panel of judges from South Africa’s highest court confirmed that “family common law and constitutional rights override governmental claims” regarding the remains.
While this ruling from South Africa’s second-highest court is binding, Zambia retains the option to appeal to the Constitutional Court.
Lungu governed Zambia from 2015 to 2021, prevailing over Hichilema in two electoral contests. During his term, Hichilema faced four-month imprisonment on trespass charges that were later dismissed.
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