By: Pamella Majola
The family of the late former Zambian President, Edgar Lungu, says they have every right to decide where and when he should be buried.
The matter is once again before the courts following two unsuccessful attempts by the family to prevent the Zambian government from proceeding with a state funeral. Lungu passed away in Johannesburg in June after a prolonged illness.
Since then, the dispute between his family and the Zambian government has played out in courtrooms in both countries, with each side claiming the right to take custody of his remains.
The Pretoria High Court has now reserved judgment in the ongoing legal battle.
Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, representing the family, argued that the late president’s wife holds the legal and moral right to bury her husband according to the family’s wishes.
