PRETORIA-(MaraviPost)-Two Mountains Funeral Parlour has rejected the Zambian government’s request to inspect the body of the late President Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
The demand came from the administration led by President Hakainde Hichilema, which sought to send special envoys and commission a pathologist to examine the remains in Pretoria, South Africa.
In a formal letter addressed to VFV Attorneys, representing the Zambian government, the funeral parlour emphasized that its contractual obligations and professional duties are tied strictly to the Lungu family.
The Lungu family is identified in ongoing legal proceedings as the “First to Seventh Respondents,” giving them exclusive authority over the body.
The funeral service provider also cited confidentiality agreements and court orders issued on 25 June 2025 and 2 July 2025, which prevent any inspection of the body without written consent from the family.
The letter stated explicitly that no inspection or disclosure of related documentation, including embalmer or pathologist reports, could occur without prior consent from the Lungu family.
This stance came after the Zambian government wrote to the funeral parlour requesting that the remains be examined, citing concerns over the body’s condition.
Two Mountains Funeral Parlour clarified that the remains are being preserved according to standard operating procedures, and no visible changes in condition have been observed.
The matter is further complicated by ongoing court cases, including an appeal to the Constitutional Court of South Africa following a Gauteng High Court ruling.
The Lungu family contends that the High Court erred by applying Zambian law to a matter that falls under South African jurisdiction.
Article 18 of the South African Superior Courts Act 10 of 2013 was also cited, which suspends the execution of court orders pending appeals unless exceptional circumstances apply.
Given this legal framework, the funeral parlour concluded that the Zambian government currently has no jurisdiction to demand inspection of the late President’s remains.
The decision has sparked debate among the public, with some questioning whether transparency is being compromised, while others support the family’s right to control access.
Commenters on the story have expressed polarized opinions, ranging from accusations that evidence is being concealed to calls for respecting legal processes and the authority of the Lungu family.
This standoff highlights the complexities that arise when cross-border legal matters intersect with national interests and political sensitivities.
It also underscores the importance of respecting both domestic and international legal procedures in handling high-profile cases, especially those involving former heads of state.
In conclusion, while the Zambian government has expressed concern and sought clarity, the legal and contractual obligations of Two Mountains Funeral Parlour, together with pending appeals in South Africa, prevent immediate compliance.
The resolution of this matter will ultimately depend on the Constitutional Court’s interpretation, emphasizing the primacy of legal process over political pressure.
This case serves as a reminder that even sensitive matters involving former leaders must adhere strictly to law and protocol, balancing respect for families with the need for transparency.
