A South African court stopped the funeral of former Zambian leader Edgar Lungu on Wednesday. The judge made the decision as mourners gathered inside a church for the service. Lungu served as Zambia's president from 2015 to 2021 before losing power. He died at age 68 on June 5 at a medical clinic near Pretoria. The former leader had traveled to South Africa for special medical treatment.
Lungu's family fought against plans for a state funeral back home in Zambia. They refused to let current President Hakainde Hichilema lead the ceremony. The family kept Lungu's body from returning to Zambia because they did not want Hichilema at the funeral. The two men had been political enemies during their careers. Zambia's government responded with legal action to prevent burial in South Africa.
The Gauteng High Court judge announced his ruling as Lungu's widow sat inside the church. He said both sides agreed that the funeral could not continue. The court will hear the full case on August 4 to decide what happens next. A Zambian lawmaker at the service said the delay causes more pain for the family. Television cameras showed people who had come to honor the former president.
Lungu's family fought against plans for a state funeral back home in Zambia. They refused to let current President Hakainde Hichilema lead the ceremony. The family kept Lungu's body from returning to Zambia because they did not want Hichilema at the funeral. The two men had been political enemies during their careers. Zambia's government responded with legal action to prevent burial in South Africa.
The Gauteng High Court judge announced his ruling as Lungu's widow sat inside the church. He said both sides agreed that the funeral could not continue. The court will hear the full case on August 4 to decide what happens next. A Zambian lawmaker at the service said the delay causes more pain for the family. Television cameras showed people who had come to honor the former president.
