Overview

• Lungu’s relatives were denied leave to appeal a Pretoria High Court order that his remains be returned to Zambia for a state funeral.
• The court reaffirmed its August ruling and said any burial in South Africa remains suspended.
• Judges rejected the argument that Zambian law could not apply, noting Lungu died during a temporary medical visit to South Africa.
• The family had sought a private burial in South Africa and to exclude President Hakainde Hichilema from funeral roles, reflecting a fraught political history.
• The court ordered the family to pay costs, confirmed Lungu’s continued status entitles him to state burial benefits, and said an earlier repatriation agreement remains binding.