Repatriation of former Zambia president Edgar Lungu's remains halted
JOHANNESBURG - The repatriation of the remains of former president of Zambia, Edgar Lungu, has been halted.It is understood that the continued disputes between the Lungu family and the Zambian government have led to the halt of the send-off.
READ: Some dispute over Edgar Lungu's repatriation from SA between family and Zambian govt Lungu's remains were intended to be returned to Lusaka from Lanseria airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
In a briefing, the Lungu family revealed that the repatriation had stalled due to disagreements with the government.
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Zambian ex-president to be buried in South Africa after funeral row
LUSAKA - The family of Zambia's late president, Edgar Lungu, announced on Friday that he will be buried in South Africa after a row with the Zambian government over its plans for a state funeral. Lungu's family on Wednesday stopped his body from being repatriated from South Africa, where he died in hospital on June 5, after it emerged that President Hakainde Hichilema planned to receive it upon arrival against the late leader's wishes. In response, Hichilema cut short an extended period of national mourning for Lungu, whom he replaced in 2021 after winning elections. Lungu's funeral and burial "will take place here in South Africa, in accordance with the family's wishes for a private ceremony", spokesman Makebi Zulu said in a statement. "The Lungu family continues to seek peace and unity amongst fellow Zambians during this time," the statement said, thanking the South African government for its "non-interference and respect of the... rights of the family". The cause of the former president's death at the age of 68 was not announced but he had been receiving specialised treatment in a clinic in Pretoria, his Patriotic Front party said. He was elected to lead the copper-rich southern African country in 2015 but lost elections six years later to Hichilema, from the United Party for National Development. Since then, his wife and children have been charged with corruption and possession of suspected proceeds of crime in what the family has claimed to be part of a political vendetta. Lungu's daughter Tasila Lungu was arrested in February on money laundering charges. She was previously detained alongside her mother and sister on fraud charges in 2024. Her brother, Dalitso, is also facing corruption charges. An initial seven days of mourning for Lungu was extended by another nine days to end on June 23, the day after the government had scheduled a state funeral for. But Hichilema ended the period of mourning four days early on Thursday in reaction to the family's refusal to allow the body to return.
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Dispute over Edgar Lungu's body delays funeral plans
The family of Zambia's former President Edgar Lungu has decided to delay the return of his body from South Africa, accusing the government of failing to honour crucial funeral arrangements. Lungu's remains were expected to arrive back in Zambia on Wednesday via a private charter flight, following several days of tense discussions between the family and authorities. Lungu's family has since called off the plan, expressing deep mistrust in the government's commitment to the agreed terms. Speaking during a media briefing, the family spokesperson, Makebi Zulu, said that the mortal remains of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu will not return today (on Wednesaday). 'We had agreed that the mortal remains of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu would be repatriated today, the 18 June, 2025, and would lie in state at his official residence in Chifwema,' Zulu said. 'However, the family has noted with regret attempts to subvert the spirit of this agreement.' According to Zulu, two major developments led to the family's decision. On 16 June, the Road Development Agency (RDA) announced roadworks along the funeral route from Crossroads to Chifwema, without informing the family. Although the repairs were halted after complaints, Zulu said the move went against what had been agreed. Then, on 17 June, Cabinet Secretary Patrick Kangwa released a statement limiting public access to the airport where Lungu's body was to arrive again, without consulting the family. To make things worse, a new government schedule showed President Hichilema leading the reception and a church service, directly opposing Lungu's explicit wish that Hichilema not be involved in his funeral. 'For these reasons, the family finds it difficult to trust that the government will adhere to the agreement,' Zulu said. 'Sadly, we have resolved that the mortal remains of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu will not return home today. 'We hope that someday his remains will be repatriated and buried.' Edgar Lungu died in South Africa earlier this month while receiving medical care. Zambia is now observing 16 days of national mourning. His family claims Lungu requested that President Hichilema stay away from his body. However, the two sides struck a deal allowing Hichilema to oversee the state funeral on Sunday. Lungu lost to Hichilema in the 2021 election after six years in power. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Eyewitness News
3 days ago
- Eyewitness News
Repatriation of former Zambia president Edgar Lungu's remains halted
JOHANNESBURG - The repatriation of the remains of former president of Zambia, Edgar Lungu, has been is understood that the continued disputes between the Lungu family and the Zambian government have led to the halt of the send-off. READ: Some dispute over Edgar Lungu's repatriation from SA between family and Zambian govt Lungu's remains were intended to be returned to Lusaka from Lanseria airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday. In a briefing, the Lungu family revealed that the repatriation had stalled due to disagreements with the government.
