South Africa police seek DNA test, autopsy as fresh twist emerges in Edgar Lungu’s death

A fresh twist has deepened the mystery surrounding the death of Zambia’s sixth Republican President, as South African authorities move to subject his remains to a DNA test and autopsy amid allegations of poisoning. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has obtained a summons from the Randburg Magistrate’s Court compelling Two Mountains Funeral Services to release the body of former President Edgar Lungu for forensic examination. Lungu died on June 5, 2025.

Months later, he remains unburied as a protracted legal battle continues between the Government of Zambia and the Lungu family over his final resting place. The latest development is contained in a letter dated February 11, 2026, authored by Mashele Attorneys, who represent members of the Lungu family in the criminal investigation relating to the alleged poisoning. ntained in a letter dated February 11, 2026, authored by Mashele Attorneys, who represent members of the Lungu family in the criminal investigation relating to the alleged poisoning.

In the correspondence addressed to SAPS Sergeant Nompilo Ngwenya, the lawyers confirmed that they had complied with five subpoenas issued during the investigation. Statements requested from family members had been delivered, and the family remained willing to cooperate with authorities within the confines of the law. However, the legal team maintained that the poisoning allegations were baseless and unsupported by any credible evidence—an assertion they said had already been made clear in formal submissions to investigators.

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The family also expressed concern over a subpoena issued to Mpho Mnisi of Two Mountains Funeral Services, which directed that the former president’s body be released into SAPS custody. According to the lawyers, two existing High Court of South Africa orders expressly direct that possession and custody of Mr. Lungu’s remains remain with the funeral home pending the conclusion of legal proceedings.

These orders, they emphasized, are binding and remain fully in force. “For the avoidance of doubt, it is our clients’ instruction that the allegations underlying the criminal case are denied,” the letter stated. They further noted that leave to appeal had been granted by the Supreme Court of Appeal, meaning the appeal process is still active.

In the absence of a judicial variation or fresh order authorizing removal of the body, the lawyers argued, no individual or institution may legally act contrary to the standing directives. The Lungu family has since demanded strict compliance with the court orders and warned that any action taken in contravention would be unlawful and open to legal challenge. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

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