The High Court in Pretoria ruled on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, that former Zambian President Edgar Lungu must be buried in his home country, rejecting an appeal by his family to inter him in South Africa where he died in June, ending a contentious dispute over his final resting place.

The decision upholds a previous ruling that Zambia's government has the right to conduct a state funeral for a former head of state. Lungu, who led Zambia from 2015 to 2021, passed away at a Johannesburg hospital at age 68 while receiving treatment. His family sought a private burial in South Africa to avoid involvement from current President Hakainde Hichilema, a political rival, but the court prioritized national protocol.

Lungu's body has remained in a South African morgue amid the standoff, with his family citing personal wishes. Zambia insisted on repatriation for a state ceremony, fueling rumors of political motives. The ruling mandates the handover of remains to Zambian authorities.

The case highlights tensions in post-presidency arrangements and state involvement in funerals, with Lungu's family expressing disappointment but compliance.