(MENAFN) A South African court has stopped the burial of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu, moments before a private ceremony was set to begin, due to a disagreement between his family and the Zambian government over funeral plans.

Mourners attending the service at Johannesburg’s Cathedral of Christ the King learned of the court’s decision only after the funeral mass concluded. While the Zambian government initially arranged for a state funeral with President Hakainde Hichilema presiding, Lungu’s family chose a private burial in South Africa instead. Although both sides later agreed to a state funeral, tensions resurfaced over the details, leading to a breakdown in cooperation.

President Hichilema stated last week that Zambia was ready to receive Lungu’s remains on June 18 and was “surprised” when the family reversed course. He emphasized that Lungu, as Zambia’s sixth president, should be buried in his home country with official honors.

Zambian Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha filed an emergency petition in South Africa’s High Court in Pretoria to stop the private burial, citing legal precedent from the burial of former President Kenneth Kaunda, which mandated full state honors for former leaders.

The court has scheduled a full hearing for August 4.

Lungu and Hichilema had a contentious political history. After losing the 2016 election to Lungu, Hichilema was jailed on treason charges in 2017 before being released. Lungu, who was defeated by Hichilema in 2021, later accused the new president of politically targeting him. In 2023, two individuals were arrested in connection with a reported plot by one of Lungu’s allies to use witchcraft against Hichilema.

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