Archive · 25 Jun 2025
South African Court Halts Burial of Ex-Zambian President Lungu
Zambia's former president, Edgar Lungu, died in South Africa.
His family planned to bury him there, but the Zambian government wanted him to have a state funeral back home.
The government went to court to stop the burial in South Africa.
The court agreed to postpone the burial while the two sides try to reach an agreement.
Lungu and the current president were political rivals.
The court has given the Zambian government until July 4th to explain why they want to bring the body back to Zambia.
South African court halts the burial of Zambia's former President Edgar Lungu in Johannesburg.
Lungu died in South Africa on June 5th while receiving medical treatment.
The Zambian government wants Lungu's body returned for a state funeral.
Lungu's family opposed a state funeral and didn't want the current Zambian president at the burial.
A prayer service was held instead of the scheduled burial in Johannesburg.
- Who
- Edgar Lungu, former president of Zambia, and the Zambian government are involved.
- What
- A South African court halted the burial of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu in Johannesburg.
- When
- The burial was halted just before it was scheduled on Wednesday.
- Where
- Johannesburg, South Africa
- Why
- Disagreement between Lungu's family and the Zambian government over the burial arrangements.
Family's Perspective
Government's Perspective
Funeral Arrangements
Family's Perspective
They did not want current President Hichilema at the funeral.
Government's Perspective
The Zambian government desires a state funeral.
- Deceased
- Edgar Lungu, former president of Zambia
- Death Location
- South Africa
- Death Date
- June 5th
- Burial Location Dispute
- Johannesburg vs. Zambia
- Court Ruling
- Burial halted pending resolution
- Zambian Government's Position
- Wants state funeral in Zambia
- Family's Position
- Opposes state funeral, wanted burial in Johannesburg