South African court halts burial of Zambia’s ex-president Edgar Lungu
The standoff has sparked political tensions, as Lungu and current President Hakainde Hichilema were long-time rivals. The family says it wants to avoid political drama, while Zambia argues that protocol and national dignity must prevail.
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00:00A South African court has stopped the burial of Zambia's former president Edgar Lungu just hours before it was due to take place in Johannesburg.
00:09The Pretoria High Court issued the emergency order following a legal request from the Zambian government which is demanding the return of Lungu's body for a state funeral in Lusaka.
00:20Lungu, who died earlier this month in South Africa, was due to be buried privately in line with Warder's family says were his wishes.
00:29But Zambia's authorities insist it must be laid to rest at Embassy Park, the official burial site for former heads of state.
00:38The standoff, as packed political tensions as Lungu and current president, were long-time rivals.
00:44The court has scheduled a full hearing on the matter for August 4. Until then, the burial remains suspended.
