By Burnett Munthali
The High Court in Pretoria has formally transferred the remains of former Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu to the Zambian Government, marking a significant step towards his repatriation and burial.
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This decision follows a protracted legal dispute between the Zambian government and Lungu’s family, which has kept the nation in suspense for over 10 months.
The transfer was confirmed by Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha, who issued a press statement on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, stating that the court ruling was a result of the family’s inability to proceed with their appeal case before the South African Supreme Court of Appeal.
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The remains have been moved from Two Mountains Burial Services to a facility managed by the South African government, paving the way for repatriation.
The Zambian government intends to engage with Lungu’s family to finalize burial arrangements, with plans for a state funeral with full military honors at Embassy Park in Lusaka.
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This development brings an end to a 10-month standoff between the family and the government, which began after Lungu’s death on June 5, 2025, in Pretoria, South Africa.
Lungu’s family had wished for a private burial in South Africa, citing his desire not to have his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema, involved in the funeral.
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However, the South African High Court ruled that the “public interest” associated with a former head of state’s funeral overrides personal or family wishes, directing that he be buried in his home country ³.
The repatriation process is expected to be a significant event in Zambia, with the nation coming together to bid farewell to its former leader.
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