Lungu Burial Dispute Lands in South African High Court
Published on June 25, 2025 at 9:01 AM by Edgar Naitha
Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha has filed a public interest lawsuit in the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria, South Africa.
The case seeks to halt the burial of the late Zambian President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, until all legal disputes over his final resting place are resolved.
Kabesha argues that Dr. Lungu, as a former Head of State, must be buried in Zambia with full military honours in accordance with national laws and traditions.
The lawsuit names members of Dr. Lungu’s family, including former First Lady Esther Nyawa Lungu, as well as two other individuals. Two Mountains Pty, the morgue currently holding the late President’s remains, is also listed as a respondent.
Kabesha contends that personal burial wishes must give way to the public interest and state protocol. He cites the precedent of Zambia’s founding President, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, whose burial preferences were overruled in favour of national interests.
The application has been made under Article 177(5)(c) of the Zambian Constitution.
The Pretoria High Court is scheduled to hear the interim interdict request at 08:00 on Wednesday, 25th June 2025.
Source: Zambia Reports
