A South African court stopped the burial of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu just as his funeral was about to begin. The court acted after Zambia's government asked judges to block the private ceremony. Lungu's family had chosen to bury the 68-year-old leader in South Africa rather than hold a state funeral back home. The decision creates more tension between the family and Zambian officials. Both sides must return to court in August to settle their dispute.
Lungu died in South Africa and his relatives wanted to control all funeral plans. Zambian authorities tried to take charge of bringing his body home for burial. The family and government first agreed on a state funeral but later disagreed about the details. Current President Hakainde Hichilema believes Lungu belongs to Zambia and should be buried there. The family says Lungu did not want Hichilema at his funeral.
The court gave Zambian officials until July 4 to file new legal papers. Lungu's family has until July 11 to respond with their arguments. A judge will hear both sides on August 4 and decide where Lungu should be buried. The government points to former President Kenneth Kaunda as an example of putting national interests first. Kaunda's family wanted him buried next to his wife but the government chose a different location.
Lungu died in South Africa and his relatives wanted to control all funeral plans. Zambian authorities tried to take charge of bringing his body home for burial. The family and government first agreed on a state funeral but later disagreed about the details. Current President Hakainde Hichilema believes Lungu belongs to Zambia and should be buried there. The family says Lungu did not want Hichilema at his funeral.
The court gave Zambian officials until July 4 to file new legal papers. Lungu's family has until July 11 to respond with their arguments. A judge will hear both sides on August 4 and decide where Lungu should be buried. The government points to former President Kenneth Kaunda as an example of putting national interests first. Kaunda's family wanted him buried next to his wife but the government chose a different location.
