This follows a ruling by the High Court in Pretoria, which temporarily halted Lungu’s burial.

Speaking during a memorial service in South Africa’s (SA) Hillbrow, Johannesburg, family Spokesperson Makebi Zulu expressed frustration over how the situation has been handled, urging respect for Lungu’s legacy and a dignified farewell.

“It was never easy for him to be in SA seeking medical care far from home,” Zulu said. “He flew in on a commercial flight, sat in economy class, went through immigration like any ordinary citizen, and waited outside the airport for an Uber. Is that the life of a former head of state? Certainly not.”

Zulu stressed that Lungu’s final days reflected a man who had lived without the privileges often associated with former leaders. He further criticised what he described as attempts to turn Lungu’s passing into a “public relations exercise”.

“This must not be turned into a public relations stunt by the Zambian government,” he said. “We will tell that story in court, and the facts will be laid bare. We are confident that the late President Lungu and his family will be vindicated.”

The family has called for space to grieve and to honour Lungu with the dignity they believe he deserves. Further legal proceedings surrounding the matter are expected in the coming days.

--ChannelAfrica--