Activists demand repatriation of Edgar Lungu’s body as court reserves judgment

Activists under the Progressive Forces of South Africa are calling for the repatriation of the late former Zambian president Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s body, as the Pretoria High Court reserves judgment on the landmark case until later this week.

This follows the death of former Zambian president Edgar Chagwa Lungu on June 5 at Mediclinic Medforum in Pretoria, which has since triggered a tense standoff between his family and the Zambian government. 

Authorities in Zambia are pushing for the repatriation of former President Edgar Lungu’s remains for an official state funeral, a move firmly rejected by his family, who insist he be laid to rest in South Africa after failed negotiations. The dramatic court ruling was delivered just moments before a private burial was due to take place on 31 July.

Lungu served as president from January 25, 2015, until August 24, 2021.

Following his departure from office, he faced a series of legal challenges and political isolation. His family, including his wife, Esther Lungu, and their children, have been implicated in various corruption charges, including allegations of money laundering and proceeds of crime. Esther Lungu has pleaded not guilty to charges of stealing cars.

Lebogang Shovhote, Secretary General of the Progressive Forces of South Africa, voiced strong opposition to Edgar Lungu being laid to rest in South Africa. 

She pointed out that the country already struggles with ongoing land claim disputes, where burial sites are sometimes exploited to support land ownership claims. Shohote warned that permitting Lungu’s burial in South Africa could set a troubling precedent, making the nation a refuge for those escaping legal consequences. 

“The Lungu family has committed offences in Zambia and now wants to use South Africa as a place of refuge,” she said.

Shovhote further alleged that Lungu entered South Africa using a passport under a different name, raising serious concerns about discrepancies in his documentation. 

“Even hospital records don’t reflect that Edgar Lungu was ever admitted to any South African facility,” she claimed.

She added that burying Lungu in South Africa could set a dangerous precedent, potentially encouraging other African leaders accused of crimes in their home countries to view South Africa as a refuge to escape justice and avoid facing consequences for their actions.

Shovhote emphasised that they are hopeful the court will order the Lungu family to repatriate his body to Zambia.

The Pretoria High Court has reserved judgment, with Deputy Judge President Aubrey Ledwaba stating that a ruling will be delivered before the end of the week.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za