South African Court Lets Lungu Family Keep Remains, Blocks Zambia's Repatriation Request

South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal ruled Tuesday that the family of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu retains custody of his remains. The court rejected the Zambian government's claim and overturned a prior order that would have required the family to hand over the body for repatriation. Lungu died in South Africa on June 5, 2025, at age 68.

His body has remained at a mortuary in the country while the dispute continued. The family held a funeral service in South Africa last June that was interrupted by an urgent court filing from the Zambian government. The Zambian government argued that national customs and protocols require burial at the cemetery in Lusaka reserved for leaders.

Lungu's family stated it was following his wishes that current President Hakainde Hichilema stay away from the body and not preside over any state funeral in Zambia. In a majority ruling, the court stated that the common law and constitutional rights of family prevail over the government's claim.

The Zambian government may still appeal to the Constitutional Court. Lungu served as Zambia's president from 2015 to 2021 and defeated Hichilema in two elections. Hichilema, who succeeded Lungu after winning the 2021 vote, spent four months in prison on treason charges that were later dropped during Lungu's term.