In this video, Gambakwe Media reports on the Edgar Lungu burial court case. The key points from the video are:
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- The judgment on the burial was expected on August 5, 2025, but was not delivered by the time the court closed.
- The speaker believes the delay indicates the complexity of the judgment, which involves high-level consultations with various governments and leaders.
- It is suggested that a longer delay might favor the repatriation of Lungu’s body to Zambia.
- The court’s communication protocol will add to the time it takes for the public to know the judgment, as it will first be communicated to the South African government, then to the Zambian government.
- The video also provides a background of the case, including Lungu’s death on June 5th, the Zambian government’s application to stop a private burial, and the court hearing on August 4th.
- The main point of contention is Lungu’s wish for a private burial versus the Zambian government’s desire for a state funeral, with the key issue being the role of the current President, Hakainde Hichilema.
- The Zambian government has sued Lungu’s wife and seven children, but the South African government is no longer part of the legal proceedings.
- The public sentiment in Zambia is described as “whatever happens, let it happen.”
- Gambakwe Media promises another update by noon on August 6, 2025.
- June 5, 2025: Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu dies in a hospital in Pretoria, South Africa, at the age of 68.
- June 25, 2025: The Zambian government files an urgent application in the Pretoria High Court to stop Lungu’s family from proceeding with a private burial in South Africa. The court grants the order, halting the funeral and setting a new hearing date.
- August 4, 2025: The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria hears the main application from the Zambian government, which argues that Lungu should be buried in Zambia with a state funeral. The government’s lawyers reference a previous court ruling that a former president is “not private property” but is of national interest. The government’s lawyers also claim that meetings with the family had established that Lungu wanted to be repatriated and that a compromise was reached regarding the presence of the current Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema, at the funeral.
- August 4, 2025: Lungu’s family lawyers argue in court that there is no evidence to suggest that the former president wanted to be buried in Zambia and that they, as the immediate family, have the right to decide his final resting place.
- August 4, 2025: The court dismisses an application from a third party, Vincent Kafula, to join the proceedings, ruling that he has no legal interest in the case.
- August 5, 2025: The court’s ruling on the burial jurisdiction may be delivered as early as today.
- August 8, 2025: The court is expected to issue a final ruling on the burial jurisdiction by this date, at the latest.
