By Francis Chipalo
Today, 21 April 2026, marks exactly 320 days since former President Edgar Lungu died on 5 June 2025 in Pretoria, South Africa — yet he remains unburied.
The delay, now 10 months and 16 days, is unprecedented in Zambia’s history.
Legal battles in a South African court between the Lungu family and President Hakainde Hichilema’s government are at the centre of the standoff.
The Lungu family wants a private burial in South Africa without government involvement, while the Zambian government sought a state funeral in Zambia.
On 8 August 2025, the High Court of South Africa ruled in favour of the Zambian government, upholding the state’s right to repatriate and accord Lungu a state funeral.
Despite the ruling, the burial has not taken place.
Responding to questions at a media briefing earlier today, Bishop Joshua Banda of Northmead Assembly of God said the church remains engaged on the matter.
Bishop Banda, who is also executive chairperson of the Healing Jesus Crusade, said the church was still actively involved in efforts to resolve the impasse.
The clergyman also appealed to leaders, including political party leadership to embrace peace, dialogue and national stability in view of the upcoming general elections.
Meanwhile, Bishop Banda described the Healing Jesus Crusade with visiting preacher, Dag Heward – Mills as timely for Zambia.
Bishop Banda announced that the crusade starts today at the Heroes stadium in Lusaka and ends this Friday on April 24th.
Bishop Banda, who was flanked by Bishop Paul Mususu of the Council of Churches in Zambia, among other notable church leaders, appealed to Zambians to turn up in numbers and pray for the peace of the nation ahead of the August 13th general elections.
