Repatriation of former Zambian statesman Lungu's remains from SA halted

JOHANNESBURG - Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu’s family has accused the country's current government of undermining the agreements reached surrounding his death. 

The former stateman's repatriation was halted on Wednesday due to the ongoing disputes between the Lungu family and the government of his political rival Hakainde Hichilema.

Lungu died at a Pretoria hospital earlier this month at 68 after a long illness.

Lungu's remains were set to be repatriated from the Lanseria International Airport to Lusaka, but that has since stalled due to a public spat playing out between the Zambian government and the Lungu family.  

The family believes it would be a dishonour if it followed government’s lead, accusing Hakainde Hichilema's administration of mistreating Lungu by withdrawing his retirement benefits, including his security detail, a diplomatic passport, a furnished house and medical insurance.

The family’s spokesperson, Makebu Zulu, says the government had intended to roll out a programme that was not agreed upon. 

“For this reason and many more, the family finds it very difficult to believe that the government will stick to their end of the agreement and have resolved, sadly so, that the mortal remains of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu will not return home today [Wednesday].”

Zulu says while they hope to be able to repatriate Lungu’s remains soon, they remain at loggerheads with the Zambian government.