Government Accepts Court Ruling on Burial of Late President Lungu

The Government of the Republic of Zambia has accepted the judgment of the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa concerning the burial of the late Sixth Republican President, His Excellency Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu.

In a press statement issued today, Attorney General Mulilo D. Kabesha, SC, said that while Government disagreed with the ruling, it would not pursue the matter further or appeal to the Constitutional Court of South Africa. The burial is now a private matter for the Lungu family, who have chosen to lay the late President to rest in South Africa.

Government said its sole purpose throughout the past twelve months had been to honour the Sixth President in keeping with established national customs, as had been done for all former Heads of State. The statement recalled that previous Presidents, including Levy Mwanawasa, Frederick Chiluba, Michael Sata, founding President Dr Kenneth Kaunda, and Rupiah Banda, were all laid to rest at Embassy Park with full military honours, regardless of the circumstances surrounding each case.

The Attorney General noted that Government had wished to give the millions of Zambians whom Dr Lungu led the opportunity to mourn him at home, but respected the family's decision. He reaffirmed the nation's condolences to the Lungu family.

President Hichilema had earlier declared and extended a period of national mourning. The statement concluded that Dr Lungu, who served from 2015 to 2021, holds a secure place in Zambia's history, thanking him for his service and urging citizens to remember his contribution with respect.