The family of late former President Edgar Lungu has announced that it will proceed with filing an appeal in the Supreme Court of South Africa challenging an earlier High Court judgement that ordered the repatriation of his remains to Zambia.

Speaking in an interview,  family spokesperson Makebi Zulu said preparations are underway to submit the appeal on or before the February 11, 2026 deadline. He added that the family remains committed to pursuing legal options aimed at securing what they describe as a dignified burial for the former Head of State.

The planned appeal follows a December 23, 2025 ruling by the South African Court of Appeal, which granted the family permission to challenge the earlier Pretoria High Court decision by Judge Aubrey Ledwaba. The initial judgement had ordered the repatriation of Mr Lungu’s remains to Zambia after dismissing the family’s request to conduct the burial in South Africa and initially denying leave to appeal on the basis that there was no reasonable prospect of success.

The matter has since developed into an eight-month legal and political dispute, occurring amid longstanding tensions between Mr Lungu and his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema, as well as the family’s claims that the late former President had expressed specific wishes regarding attendees at his funeral.

My late boss was a great man. We did some great things together. I will support his family until my death and will do what ever it takes. Tasila you will be president soon. The sick hh will perish soon.

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