South African court orders repatriation of ex-Zambian president’s body

The Pretoria High Court in South Africa has ordered the body of the former president of Zambia, Edgar Lungu, to be repatriated to his home.

DAILY POST reports that the family of the deceased leader had insisted on a private burial ceremony in South Africa, rather than a full state funeral at home.

Their decision, which was halted by a court in South Africa on June 24, followed a feud between the former president and his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema.

Lungu’s family had vowed that the incumbent president would not attend Lungu’s funeral, hence the decision to bury him in South Africa.

However, BBC reports that the court ruled on Friday that Zambia’s government can repatriate the body for proper burial.

The Zambian government had argued in court that personal wishes should not override the greater public interest.

South African court orders repatriation of ex-Zambian president’s body