Zambia’s Family Wins The Ultimate Funeral Battle

Wed Jun 24 2026 02:00:31 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Zambia’s ex‑president family wins fight to keep Edgar Lungu’s body in South Africa, ending a decade‑long feud over his final resting place.

After former president Edgar Lungu died in South Africa, his family fought a long‑running court case to keep his body where he was laid to rest. The Supreme Court of Appeal ruled that his remains stay in Pretoria, cutting short the government’s attempts to bring him home for a state funeral. The decision ends a political feud that stretched from election battles to funeral arrangements. Lungu’s wife said the ex‑president didn’t want the new leader, Hakainde Hichilema, by his side or “anywhere near” his grave, and the family will give him a private burial. The case shows how political rivals can clash even after death, highlighting the power of the courts to decide a nation’s symbolic acts.

The legal showdown over ex‑presidential remains

After former Zambia president Edgar Lungu died in South Africa last year, his family fought a long legal battle to keep his body where he was laid to rest.

The Supreme Court of Appeal ruled that Lungu’s corpse remains in South Africa, wiping out the government’s plan to bring him home for a state funeral. The result ends a feud that had stretched from politics to funeral arrangements.

Lungu’s wife said the ex‑president didn’t want the new leader, Hakainde Hichilema, by his side or “anywhere near” his grave. With the courts on their side, the family would give him a private burial in Pretoria.

Despite the ruling, Zambia said it wouldn’t chase the case further. The judge’s comments point out that Lungu felt he would never get a proper send‑off in his own country.

Apart from the courtroom drama, the story shows how political personalities can clash over even death. Think about what would happen if you had to decide the final arrangements for someone you respect.