Drama as Court Halts Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu’s Funeral in South Africa
Drama as Court Halts Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu’s Funeral in South Africa – Mourners who had gathered at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Johannesburg were left stunned on Wednesday after the funeral of former Zambian president Edgar Lungu was abruptly halted by a court order, in what appears to be the latest chapter in the long-standing tensions between Lungu and his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema.
The Pretoria High Court issued an urgent interdict stopping the burial shortly before the scheduled service, following a last-minute application by Zambia’s Attorney General, Mulilo Kabesha.
Instead of a burial, a memorial mass was held, with Lungu’s widow, Esther Lungu, visibly emotional upon arrival at the cathedral.
The court directed that a full hearing be held on 4 August to determine the way forward.
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Edgar Lungu passed away in South Africa earlier this month at the age of 68 after an undisclosed illness.
According to family sources, the late president had expressly requested that Hichilema not be involved in his funeral.
However, the Zambian government had planned an official state funeral to be led by President Hichilema, as per constitutional requirements.
Attorney General Kabesha defended the state’s position, stating on national broadcaster ZNBC that a former head of state is not considered private property and must be accorded state funeral rites.
He cited legal precedent from the burial of founding president Kenneth Kaunda, noting that once a period of national mourning is declared, the law mandates full state honours.
Government court filings also revealed that a grave had already been prepared for Lungu in Zambia’s presidential burial site, where all former heads of state are interred.
Notably, this is the second time Lungu’s state funeral has been postponed.
Lungu led Zambia from 2015 to 2021 before losing to Hichilema in a hotly contested election. Their political rivalry dates back years.
In 2017, Hichilema was imprisoned for treason following a motorcade standoff involving Lungu. The case sparked international concern and was later dropped.
Following his electoral defeat, Lungu accused the Hichilema administration of persecution and claimed to be under effective house arrest. In 2023, police barred him from jogging, labeling his morning runs as
