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Zambia ex-president's family wins latest legal battle over what should happen to his body

Zambia ex-president's family wins latest legal battle over what should happen to his body

Summary

Zambia’s former President Edgar Lungu’s family won a court case allowing his body to be buried in South Africa, where he died, instead of being returned to Zambia for a state funeral. The ruling overturned a previous decision that favored the Zambian government’s wish to bury him in the capital, Lusaka.

Key Facts

  • Edgar Lungu died in South Africa at age 68 due to an undisclosed illness.
  • The Zambian government wanted to bury Lungu in a presidential burial site in Lusaka with full honors.
  • Lungu’s family preferred a private burial in South Africa and disagreed with the government’s plan.
  • The South African high court initially allowed Zambia to take the body for a state funeral.
  • The family appealed the decision at the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein and won.
  • The ruling means Lungu’s body will remain in South Africa for burial.
  • Lungu had a tense relationship with Zambia’s current President Hakainde Hichilema, who succeeded him.
  • The family stated Lungu did not want President Hichilema involved in his funeral or near his body.
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