Lungu family files appeal in South Africa…

The family of former Zambian president Edgar Lungu has filed a notice of appeal in South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), nearly two months after being granted leave to challenge a ruling ordering the repatriation of his remains to Zambia. The appeal comes amid ongoing legal and political developments, including a recent Economic and Financial Crimes Court order for the forfeiture of 79 vehicles and 23 properties reportedly linked to Lungu and gifted to his son, Dalitso. Edgar Lungu died on June 5, 2025, at a clinic in South Africa, where his remains have remained at a funeral home since.

The dispute began when the family cancelled plans to repatriate his body to Zambia during a period of national mourning declared by President Hakainde Hichilema and instead announced intentions to bury him privately in South Africa. On June 24, 2025, Zambia’s Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha secured an urgent court order in Pretoria halting the planned burial. The government argued that, as a former head of state, Lungu should be buried in Zambia with the dignity accorded to the presidency.

While the family maintained that Lungu did not want President Hichilema involved in his funeral and preferred burial outside Zambia, the government said there was no credible evidence supporting those claims and emphasised the need to respect the office of the presidency. After the Pretoria High Court ruled in favour of the government in August 2025, the family’s attempt to appeal directly to South Africa’s Constitutional Court was dismissed later that month. A subsequent application for leave to appeal at the High Court was also rejected in September 2025.

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The family later petitioned the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein, which granted leave to appeal in December 2025. Within their rights. They have always wanted to bury in Zambia.

I feel for them. Just one person holding everything

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