Edgar Lungu, Zambia’s former president (2015 to 2021), passed away on June 5, 2025, in South Africa while receiving medical treatment, and ever since it’s been a drama worthy of a soap opera.
His burial has caused a legal dispute between the Zambian government and Lungu’s family. The government planned a state funeral in Lusaka, while the family wanted him to be buried in South Africa. 
He was supposed to be buried on June 25, but just a few hours before his funeral, a South African court held that the burial won’t go on.
A High Court in Pretoria held that Lungu body must be repatriated buried in Zambia, contrary to his family’s desires, as a matter of national honor and precedent for former presidents since Zambia’s independence in 1964.
The court emphasized that a former president’s personal wishes or family preferences do not supersede the state’s right to conduct a state funeral. This ruling incited a strong emotional reaction from Lungu’s sister, Bertha, who expressed her anguish in court.
During the ruling, his sister, Bertha Lungu, expressed her anger and despair in a courtroom, directing harsh words towards Zambia’s Attorney General, Mulilo Kabesha. “Kabesha, Lungu is not your father’s son… he’s not Hakainde’s son… This is really painful. I don’t want to go to Zambia.” Her niece, Edgar’s daughter, Tasila, was also distraught and attempted to console her.
Lungu’s family told the court that his dying wish was that Hichilema should not go anywhere near his body.
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The Fight Started in 2021
Edgar was president of Zambia from 2015 until he lost the election in 2021 to Hakainde Hichilema, after which he was embroiled in legal troubles.
The political backdrop surrounding Lungu’s death is complicated by accusations faced by his family of corruption and crime, which they allege comes from a political vendetta initiated by his successor, Hakainde Hichilema.
his wife and children have been charged with corruption and possession of suspected proceeds of crime, in what the family has claimed is part of a political vendetta.
Lungu’s daughter, Tasila Lungu, was arrested in February on money laundering charges, having previously been detained with her mother and sister on fraud charges in 2024.
Her brother, Dalitso, is also facing corruption charges.
The Fight Over A Dead Body
The Zambian government is set on honoring Lungu with a state funeral, even if it means excluding his family’s participation in the arrangements.
Many people believe that the authorities’ decision to confiscate Lungu’s body from his grieving family, purportedly for a dignified funeral, has caused political rifts and fueled suspicions that the body may be sought for occult purposes in a nation where witchcraft beliefs are prevalent.
The family has appealed against the court’s recent decision and is willing to stall the process as long as possible.
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