The Zambian government is yet to issue a statement following a ruling by South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal that halted the repatriation of former President Edgar Lungu’s body to Zambia for a state funeral.
The court ruling followed an appeal by the Lungu family, who challenged a lower court order directing that the former president’s remains be returned to Zambia.
It remains unclear whether the Zambian government will appeal the decision or accept the court’s ruling.
Meanwhile, Lungu family spokesperson Makebi Zulu has welcomed the judgement, describing it as a significant vindication of the rule of law, constitutionalism, human dignity, family autonomy, and respect for the expressed wishes of the deceased.
He says the family is grateful that the court has carefully considered both the facts and the law, ultimately recognising that the family’s rights and the wishes of the late president must be respected.
Mr. Zulu adds that the ruling reinforces the principle that no individual or institution is above the law and that disputes, regardless of how emotional or politically sensitive they may be, should be resolved through legal processes and judicial determination.
By Darius Choonya
