Zambian government loses legal battle over former president’s body

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, June 24, 2026

South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal ruled that the family of the late former Zambian president Edgar Lungu has legal custody of his remains, rejecting the Zambian government’s claim to control the repatriation and burial. This decision highlights the complexities of repatriating prominent figures who die abroad and emphasizes the need for clear legal guidelines in such cross-border disputes.

South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal has ruled against the Zambian government in a dispute over the custody of the late former president Edgar Lungu’s remains. Lungu, who died in South Africa in June 2025 at the age of 68, had his body held in a mortuary as his family contested government attempts to take control for repatriation and burial.

The legal case centered on whether the Zambian government or Lungu’s family held authority over the former leader’s body following his death on South African soil. The government had sought to bring Lungu’s remains back to Zambia for interment alongside other national leaders, arguing that state protocol warranted such arrangements. However, Lungu’s family opposed this, insisting on their rights to decide on the final resting place.

In a decision released earlier this month, the Supreme Court of Appeal sided with the family, affirming their legal standing in the matter and denying the government’s claim to custody. The court’s ruling means that the body will remain under the family’s control, pending burial plans.

Edgar Lungu served as Zambia’s president from 2015 until 2021. His death last year drew attention to the complexities involved when prominent figures die abroad, particularly regarding repatriation and burial rites. The family’s opposition to the government’s efforts has highlighted sensitivities surrounding the handling of former leaders’ remains and the intersection of legal, cultural, and political considerations in such cases.

The Zambian government has yet to comment publicly on the ruling or outline any further steps it may take following the decision. Meanwhile, Lungu’s family is reportedly making arrangements consistent with the court’s directive.

The outcome underscores the challenges governments can face in assuming control over deceased officials’ bodies when family members assert their rights, especially in cross-border contexts. It also reflects the importance of clear legal frameworks governing the repatriation of remains in cases where deaths occur outside the deceased’s home country.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.