00:00A South African court has ruled in favor of the Zambian government, allowing the repatriation of former President Edgar Lungu's remains, despite his family's objections.
00:12Lungu, who led Zambia from 2015 to 2021, died in June at the age of 68 in a South African hospital.
00:19His family wanted him buried there and demanded current President Hakainde Ichilema, Lungu's long-time political rival, stay away from funeral arrangements.
00:30But the court ruled Zambia has the right to hold a state funeral, calling it a matter of public interest.
00:37The judge stated, even leaders' personal wishes must yield to national protocol.
00:43The decision bars Lungu's burial in South Africa on the scheduled funeral day.
00:48Zambia's Attorney General called the ruling logical, saying the former President should rest in his homeland.
00:55The family can still appeal, but for now, the legal battle appears settled.
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