It’s victory for ECL wishes – family

By BARNABAS ZULU

…as he calls on government and its partners to accept and respect the Supreme Court of South Africa that has dismissed its application demanding custody of the remains of the late former President Lungu

THE Zambian government and all interested parties should accept and respect the ruling of South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal, that has set aside the South African High Court judgement that had ordered the repatriation of the mortal remains of late former President Edgar Lungu, Makebi Zulu has said.

Mr Zulu, who is the spokesperson of the family of late former President Lungu has also called on the Zambian government to accept the dismissal of its application which was seeking that the remains of the former head of State should be surrendered to the State for burial in Zambia.

In a statement issued following yesterday’s judgement, Mr Zulu said the family welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a victory for the rule of law, constitutionalism and respect for the wishes of the deceased.

“We welcome the judgement delivered by the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa in the matter of Esther Lungu and Others v Government of the Republic of Zambia and Others, which has upheld the appeal and affirmed the rights of the late President Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s family,” Mr Zulu said.

He said the judgement was a significant vindication of human dignity, family autonomy and the expressed wishes of the late former head of State.

“The court has spoken clearly, and justice has been served,” he said.

Mr Zulu said the family was grateful that the court had carefully considered both the facts and the law before reaching its decision.

He explained that the ruling had reinforced the principle that no individual or institution was above the law and that disputes, regardless of their political sensitivity, should be resolved through legal processes.

Mr Zulu also commended the South African judiciary for what he described as its independence, impartiality and commitment to justice.

He said the judgement had brought clarity and finality to a matter that had caused immense pain and uncertainty for the family during a period of mourning.

“Our focus remains on honouring the memory, dignity, and wishes of the late President Edgar Chagwa Lungu,” he said.

Mr Zulu urged all parties to respect the court’s decision and allow the family the space to proceed in line with the law and the wishes of the late former President.

He added that the family would soon communicate the next steps following the court’s ruling.

Ends.