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Family rejects poisoning allegations
The relatives of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu have firmly dismissed accusations that he was poisoned, calling the claims baseless. Lungu, who passed away in June 2025 at age 68 in a Pretoria clinic, remains unburied amid a legal standoff between his family and Zambia's government over his final resting place.
Police custody request adds to tensions
South African authorities have sought control of Lungu's body as part of their investigation into the poisoning allegations, according to a letter from the family's legal team. The Johannesburg-based firm Mashele Attorneys, representing the Lungu family, confirmed cooperation with police but insisted the accusations lack credible evidence.
South African Police Service spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe declined to comment, citing the sensitivity of the matter.
Legal battle over burial site
Zambia's government, led by President Hakainde Hichilema, has pushed for Lungu's repatriation and a state funeral with full honors. A South African court ruled in August 2025 in favor of this request. However, Lungu's family opposes the plan, arguing the former president did not want Hichilema to attend his funeral. Their strained relationship dates back to Lungu's 2021 electoral defeat.
In a February 11 letter to police, Mashele Attorneys stated the family had complied with five subpoenas related to the criminal probe but denied the poisoning allegations outright. Neo Mashele, the firm's director, told the BBC the investigation appeared to stem from an unverified public statement by one of Lungu's daughters.
Court orders and security measures
The family's legal team also raised concerns about a subpoena issued to Two Mountains Funeral Services, which currently holds Lungu's body. They cited two High Court orders mandating the funeral home retain custody pending the resolution of legal proceedings.
A morgue official confirmed Lungu's remains are under 24/7 surveillance.
Appeal to overturn repatriation ruling
Lungu's widow, who has remained in South Africa since his death, filed an appeal last week with the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein to challenge the earlier court decision favoring repatriation.
"For the avoidance of doubt, it is our clients' instruction that the allegations underlying the criminal case are denied."
Mashele Attorneys letter to South African police
