In a historic and politically charged ruling, the full bench of the Pretoria High Court has ordered that the body of former Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu be repatriated to Zambia for a state funeral, despite his family’s initial plans to bury him in South Africa.
The family had argued that burying Lungu in South Africa would shield him from what they called the “hostile political climate” in Zambia, where current President Hakainde Hichilema was expected to preside over national mourning events.
However, the court ruled that the dignity of a former head of state must be upheld, and that Zambia remains the only legally and constitutionally appropriate final resting place.
The judgment paves the way for full military honours to be rendered to the late leader, including the Zambia Army’s final salute, which he once commanded as Commander-in-Chief during his time in office (2015–2021).
Joseph Kalimbwe tweeted, “Welcome home, President Lungu. You will be buried with the dignity befitting your office.”
