Tag Archives: Pretoria High Court

Law and order, Obituaries, Politics

Pretoria High Court adjourns Edgar Lungu Family’s petition amid ongoing discussions with Zambian Government

Jones Gadama

PRETORIA-(MaraviPost)-In a significant development at the High Court in Pretoria, the legal representatives of the family of the late Edgar Lungu have informed the court that discussions are underway with the Government of Zambia regarding the repatriation of Edgar Lungu’s remains for a state funeral in Zambia.

The family’s legal counsel presented the update during proceedings, indicating that they are actively engaging in negotiations with Zambian authorities to facilitate the transfer and burial of the former Zambian leader’s body on home soil.

This announcement has prompted the High Court to consider procedural adjustments to pending legal matters related to the case.

Tembeka Ncukaitobi, a prominent South African legal expert, appeared before the court and reported that both the family of Edgar Lungu and the Zambian Government have mutually agreed to suspend the family’s petition currently before the High Court of Appeal.

The suspension will last until Monday, 18th August, to allow sufficient time for the ongoing discussions to progress.

The court was informed that if any disagreements arise during these negotiations, the court will be promptly notified to determine the appropriate way forward.

For now, the court has acceded to the request and put the family’s petition on hold pending the outcome of these talks.

This case has drawn considerable attention given the significance of Edgar Lungu’s legacy in Zambia and the sensitive nature of the repatriation process.

The cooperation between the legal representatives and government officials reflects a commitment to resolving this matter amicably and respectfully.

The High Court’s decision to adjourn the petition demonstrates judicial flexibility in accommodating diplomatic efforts to honor the wishes of a prominent national figure and his family.

Observers will be keen to see whether the agreement reached will culminate in a dignified state funeral in Zambia and how this will impact any further legal proceedings.

As of today, 15th August 2025, the court remains on standby, awaiting further developments from the ongoing dialogue between the family and the Zambian Government.

More updates are expected following the deadline set for 18th August.

Regional

Prophet Shepherd Bushiri forced to attend Court despite COVID-19 risks

Ufulu
Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife

South Africa (MaraviPost): In appearance in court cut short when prosecution revealed refusal of witnesses to attend court due to fears of COVID-19, The Major asked why it was not risky for him and his wife to be in court.

In his own words made available to the Maravi Post, Bushiri writes

This morning, my wife and I appeared at the Pretoria High Court for a trial which was postponed on the 29th November 2019. During our appearance, the prosecutors applied for the court to postpone the trial till next year July, because their 29 witnesses refused to come to court because of Covid-19.

My wife and I, together with our lawyers, took the risk in spite of Covid-19 and attended court. How is Covid-19 dangerous to the witnesses and not for my wife and me? I ask…

I instructed our lawyers to vehemently oppose the postponement to next year, as we have been on remand for over a year already. Our lawyers indeed gave a detailed history and opposed the postponement.

You will remember that at the time of our arrest, the state claimed they had evidence and wanted to go to trial. However, at each appearance they have asked for more time.

We are disappointed that the Judge has granted a postponement for the State to get their house in order. The President of South Africa has announced that we should learn to live with Covid-19 in our lives. Therefore, this trial should have proceeded because it was booked for the whole month of August.

I feel this is unfair, seeing my lawyers were ready to proceed with the trial.

We have faith in the justice system of this nation; we do believe that we will get justice one day and we will be able to live our lives freely.

We remain ready for the trial in order to clear our names.

We are incredibly grateful for your prayers and support.