Edgar Lungu’s family suffer another legal blow in burial dispute

The High Court in Pretoria has dismissed an appeal by the family of former Zambian President, Edgar Lungu, which upheld a previous ruling that he must be buried in Zambia.

The family approached the court for leave to appeal the matter in the Supreme Court of Appeal. But the High Court in Pretoria found that there were no reasonable prospects for success.

The ruling is seen as a legal victory for the Zambian government, which insists that Lungu should receive a state funeral on home soil.

Lungu passed away while receiving medical treatment in a hospital in South Africa. His death then sparked a bitter legal tug-of-war between his family – who want him buried in South Africa – and Zambian authorities.

His family is still fighting that he be buried in South Africa, while Zambian authorities insist that he be laid to rest in his home country, in line with state protocols for former heads of state.

Former First Lady, Esther Lungu, has argued that the state should not dictate burial arrangements, claiming her husband’s dying wish was to prevent his political rival, President Hakainde Hichilema, from presiding over his funeral.

It remains unclear whether the family will pursue any further legal avenues following today’s dismissal.

Last month, the Constitutional Court rejected the Lungu family’s bid for direct appeal.

We can now bury Edgar Lungu in peace. I hope the circus from PF and some over-excited individuals is over

— Cris Mulengah (@CeeMulengah) September 16, 2025

Edgar Chagwa Lungu, the former president of Zambia’s body can finally be laid to rest after three months of turmoil.

— Sthamber (@Sthamber) September 16, 2025

Edgar Lungu a ye gae gofele tu.

— Kgomotso Moeketsi (@KGMoeketsi) September 16, 2025