Johannesburg, South Africa – The family of the late Sixth Republican President of Zambia, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, has expressed serious concern over what it describes as the unlawful handling and postmortem process involving his remains in South Africa.
Speaking through family spokesperson Makebi Zulu, the family has strongly condemned what it termed a blatant disregard for South African court orders and due legal process, warning that legal action may follow.
Family Claims Officials Tried to Remove Body Without Consent
Mr. Zulu stated that on 22 April 2026, South African police officers accompanied by Zambian officials reportedly arrived at Two Mountains Funeral Services in Johannesburg with the intention of taking possession of Dr. Lungu’s body.
He said the officials allegedly pressured the funeral home to release the remains despite the absence of any family representative, a move the family views as irregular and unacceptable.
According to the family, the body was later transferred to the Tshwane Forensic Pathology Service in Pretoria, arriving at around 18:30 hours.
Alleged False Information Opened Postmortem Docket
Mr. Zulu claimed that a postmortem docket was opened after Sgt Ngwenya and an unnamed Zambian diplomat handed over the remains.
The family further alleges that the officer falsely recorded that the former President had died from suspected poisoning, claiming the report came from a family member.
Mr. Zulu dismissed the claim, insisting that no family member reported poisoning, and added that the docket allegedly lacked a required doctor’s report confirming the cause of death.
Family Obtains Court Order for Return of the Body
Upon discovering what they described as irregularities, the family’s legal team reportedly rushed to the High Court in Pretoria.
Mr. Zulu said the court issued an order between 22:00 and 23:00 hours on 22 April, directing that Dr. Lungu’s remains be returned immediately to Two Mountains Funeral Services.
He said the order also required involved parties to explain why they should not be cited for contempt of court.
The family stated that the order was served on relevant South African authorities as well as lawyers representing the Zambian Government.
Postmortem Still Conducted Despite Court Order
Despite the court directive, the family claims a postmortem was conducted on 23 April 2026 by Dr. Shirley Jena-Stuart, an action they say was carried out without proper authorization.
Mr. Zulu stressed that the court order only addressed repatriation and custody of the remains, not permission for a postmortem.
He added that the facility allegedly kept the body until about 21:40 hours, when the family’s lawyers engaged senior South African police officials, leading to the remains being released.
Family Regains Custody and Warns of Legal Action
Mr. Zulu confirmed that the family has since regained custody of Dr. Lungu’s remains in accordance with the court order.
He emphasized that the family will not abandon their loved one and is prepared to pursue legal options.
“The family will not abandon their loved one under any circumstances,” he said.
Mr. Zulu concluded by stating that the family reserves all legal rights, including contempt proceedings, and is demanding a full and transparent inquiry into what it described as unbefitting conduct surrounding the handling of the former President’s body.
Growing Public Interest
The matter has attracted significant public attention both in Zambia and abroad, with many closely following developments surrounding the late former President’s burial arrangements.
The family has insisted that the process must be handled with dignity, transparency, and strict adherence to the law.
