On Tuesday, a South African high court threw out an appeal by the family of former Zambian president Edgar Lungu, who sought to prevent his remains from being returned to Lusaka for a state funeral.
The family had challenged an earlier decision authorizing the Zambian government to repatriate the body, arguing that South African law should take precedence over Zambian law. They also pointed to political tensions with President Hakainde Hichilema, insisting Lungu be laid to rest in Johannesburg instead.
The court ruled there were “no reasonable prospects of success” in pursuing another appeal and ordered the family to cover legal costs. Judges emphasized that under Zambian law, the wishes of a former president or their relatives cannot override the state’s authority to grant an official burial.
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