Zambian Government Takes Custody of Former President Edgar Lungu’s Remains Following South African Court Order

The Zambian government has taken formal custody of the remains of former President Edgar Lungu following a court order from South Africa’s Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, ending a prolonged legal dispute over his burial.

The development comes after the Lungu family’s appeal against the August 2025 judgment lapsed due to missed deadlines, allowing Zambian authorities to proceed with the repatriation process for a state funeral and burial in Zambia.

The Government of the Republic of Zambia wishes to confirm that the High Court in Pretoria has today, Wednesday 22nd April 2026, formally transferred the mortal remains of the Sixth Republican President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, to the Zambian Government.

Mulilo Kabesha, Attorney General of Zambia

Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha confirmed the transfer in a press statement dated 22 April 2026, stating that the remains had been moved from Two Mountains Burial Services (PTY) Limited to a South African government-managed facility before being handed over to Zambian officials.

The court battle began after Lungu’s passing in South Africa on 5 June 2025, with his family challenging the Pretoria High Court’s ruling that authorized Zambia to repatriate his remains for burial.

The Gauteng High Court’s August 2025 judgment had directed that Lungu’s body be released to the Zambian Government to facilitate preparations for repatriation and burial in Zambia, a directive now being implemented following the family’s unsuccessful appeal.

While the transfer has been completed, Zambian authorities have not yet announced when the repatriation process will begin or when the state funeral will take place, noting that investigations related to the transfer are ongoing.