Zambian govt argues in court that it was never Edgar Lungu’s wish to be buried in SA
The court is hearing arguments from the government and Lungu’s family over where the head of state should be buried.
FILE: Zambia's former president Edgar Lungu. Photo: AFP
JOHANNESBURG - The lawyers for the Zambian government have argued in the Pretoria High Court that it was never former President Edgar Lungu’s wish to be buried in South Africa.
The court is hearing arguments from the government and Lungu’s family over where the head of state should be buried.
Lungu died in South Africa in June while receiving medical attention in the country.
The Pretoria High Court halted his burial ahead of Monday’s court battle.
Arguing on behalf of the Zambian government, Advocate Ben Stoop has referenced the minutes of meetings between the family of Lungu and the Zambian government, saying it was clear that the former president did not want to be buried in South Africa, and it was his wish for his remains to be repatriated back home.
In June, Lungu’s family tried to have him buried in South Africa, saying they did not want Zambia’s current president, Lungu’s political nemesis, Hakainde Hichilema, present at his funeral.
But Advocate Stoop said the family and the State agreed on a programme for the repatriation and the funeral programme, which stipulates that Hichilema would be present when dignitaries are welcomed and during the programme.
Stoop further argues that in Zambian law, there is a clear judicial precedent, stating that with a person of significant national interest, the wishes of that person and the family must yield to the broader public interest.