00:00A South African court has blocked the repatriation of the remains of former Zambian President Ergalungu, halting fresh plans for
00:08a state funeral and deepening a dispute that has dragged on for nearly 10 months.
00:14It marks the latest setback for President Hakadechilema's government, which wants him buried in Zambia against the family's preference for
00:22South Africa, where he died in hospital on June 5.
00:25Zambia's Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha said on Tuesday that a court had formally handed the remains to the government after
00:33the family failed to pursue an appeal.
00:36Lungu's family swiftly sought an injunction with the High Court in Pretoria saying the application was dealt with as one
00:43of extreme urgency.
00:44The court ordered the government of Zambia to return the remains to the private funeral home or another facility of
00:51the family's choosing.
00:52The order will remain in force until May 21.
00:55Lungu's family has repeatedly blocked effort to repatriate his body, saying he will not have wanted his successor's dilemma at
01:02his funeral, setting off a protracted legal battle.
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