A South African mortuary has told the family of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu not to return his body, saying it has complied with a court order and handed the remains over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for investigations.
The mortuary’s lawyers, ENSafrica, stated that their client had been caught in a difficult position and incurred significant legal costs due to the dispute between the family and the Zambian government.
The development comes after a prolonged legal battle between the Lungu family and the Zambian government over the burial location.
The Pretoria High Court had previously ruled that Lungu’s remains should be handed over to the Zambian government for repatriation, but the family has resisted, citing his personal wishes to be buried privately in South Africa.
The Zambian government, however, argues that Lungu should be buried with full state honors in Zambia, citing national protocol and the public interest.
The government has accused the family of politicizing the burial and attempting to use Lungu’s death for political gain.
The mortuary’s statement adds a new twist to the saga, with the family facing a fresh challenge in their bid to bury Lungu in South Africa.
The SAPS is expected to continue its investigations, and the Zambian government has confirmed that it will not immediately repatriate the body.
The case has sparked tensions between Zambia and South Africa, with the Lungu family accusing the Zambian government of disregarding their loved one’s wishes.
The family’s lawyer has been criticized for his handling of the case, with some calling for him to be replaced.
As the legal battle continues, Lungu’s family is left to navigate a complex web of laws and politics, with their loved one’s legacy hanging in the balance.
