Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly MuttiHas said that the Zambian government cannot withdraw the burial case of the former president edgar lungu Currently before South Africa's top court, but his family has the right to do so.
Ms Mutti said the appellants in the case are members of the Lungu family, who launched a legal challenge against the repatriation of the former president's remains to Zambia. He explained that as the appealing parties in the case, the family has the power to withdraw the case, not the Zambian government.
The Speaker described the situation as serious and advised Member of Parliament Matero, Miles SampaTo help bring Mr Lungu's body back to Zambia for burial.
Ms Mutti was responding to Mr Sampa's question in Parliament about when the former president would be buried. Mr Sampa described the eight-month delay as unchristian and raised the issue during a debate with the President Hakainde HichilemaState of the Nation address on national values and principles.
During his submission, Mr. Sampa appealed to the Vice President Mutale Nalumango and Minister of Justice Princess Kasune Urging Attorney General Kabesh to withdraw the case to allow the burial of the former President.
Mr Lungu died on June 5, 2025, and has not yet been buried due to an ongoing legal dispute between his family and the Zambian government over his final resting place.
The family appealed against the decision High Court of South AfricaWhich ruled in favor of the Zambian government that the former President should be buried in Zambia.
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