The body of former President Edgar Lungu is still lying in a South African state facility pending investigations by the South African Police Service (SAPS) into the cause of his death.
The Zambian government has obtained a court order to have Mr. Lungu’s remains repatriated to Zambia for a state funeral, following a protracted legal battle between the government and the Lungu family.
However, according to documents seen by Diamond News, Two Mountains Burial Services (PTY) Limited, which was initially keeping the body before the court order for its transfer, says it has been advised by the Zambian government’s attorney that the remains will not be immediately repatriated.
This is to allow SAPS to continue with investigations, with the remains now moved to a state facility.
Two Mountains Burial Services has also stated that it is not prepared to accept possession of the late President’s remains.
The company has further urged the Lungu family to ensure that they do not request the return of the remains to their custody.
Meanwhile, the Lungu family has obtained an order from the South African Supreme Court of Appeal halting the High Court order that allowed the transfer of Mr. Lungu’s body to the Zambian government for a state funeral.
Mr. Lungu died on June 5, 2025, in South Africa. Since his death, his body has not been buried due to an ongoing impasse between his family and the Zambian government.
By Darius Choonya
