A storm of controversy has erupted following claims by Zambian broadcaster KBN TV that the body of former President Edgar Lungu has allegedly gone missing from a mortuary in South Africa.
Citing an unnamed family source, the station reported that Lungu’s remains could no longer be accounted for, raising alarm among relatives and the wider public.
“It is true, they have stolen the body of ECL,” the source was quoted as saying, expressing concern and demanding answers over the shocking development.
The claim, though yet to be independently verified, has intensified an already protracted standoff between the Zambian government and Lungu’s family over his burial arrangements.
The former head of state, who died in June 2025, has been at the center of a bitter dispute that has lasted nearly ten months.
At the heart of the disagreement is the question of how Lungu should be laid to rest. His family has consistently maintained that he wished for a private burial, away from state involvement.
They have also alleged that Lungu was mistreated by his successor, Hakainde Hichilema, and that he died a deeply unhappy man—claims the government has not formally substantiated.
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On the other hand, the Zambian government has insisted that Lungu, as a former president, deserves a full state funeral in recognition of his service to the nation. Officials argue that such an honor is not only customary but also a matter of national importance.
The dispute escalated into a legal battle in August 2025 when the matter was taken before a South African court. This followed attempts by the family to conduct a private burial in South Africa without government approval.
In a significant ruling, the court sided with the Zambian authorities, ordering that Lungu’s remains be repatriated to Zambia for a state funeral.
However, the situation took another twist when Lungu’s family swiftly filed for leave to appeal the ruling. The legal challenge effectively halted the repatriation process, leaving his remains in a South African mortuary as the case awaited further judicial determination.
Since then, little progress has been made in resolving the impasse, with both sides holding firm to their positions. The latest reports of the alleged disappearance of Lungu’s body have now added a new layer of uncertainty and tension to an already sensitive issue.
Authorities in both Zambia and South Africa have yet to issue official statements regarding the claims. It remains unclear whether an investigation has been launched or if the reports can be substantiated.
The development has sparked widespread concern among Zambians, with many calling for transparency and swift clarification. As the situation unfolds, questions continue to mount over the whereabouts of the former president’s remains and the future of his long-delayed burial.
For now, the fate of Edgar Lungu’s body—and the resolution of the dispute surrounding it—remains shrouded in mystery.
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