GOVERNMENT has challenged the family of late former president Edgar Lungu to explain to the nation why President Hakainde Hichilema should not view the body or be anywhere near Lungu’s casket.
Speaking on ZNBC’s Sunday Interview last night, Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha wondered what was so special about Lungu’s casket that the President could be restricted.
He urged the family to write a letter to his office, explaining to the nation the real reason behind the restriction.
Kabesha said presidents usually don’t go close to caskets except during official body viewing, and even at normal funerals some families choose not to have body viewing at all.
The Government chief legal advisor also questioned the family about who told them that the Head of State even wanted to be close to the body in the first place.
“The family should open up, maybe we can understand them, then maybe, we can warn the President not to go near. What’s so special about that casket? They should tell us why they don’t want the President to come near the casket, maybe it will make sense,” said Kabesha.
“And who has told them that he wants to be near the casket anyway. Who has told them that he wants to see the body? They should write a letter to me explaining why the President should not be there.“
The dispute over Lungu’s burial was supposed to have been water under the bridge last Friday after the Pretoria High Court ruled in favour of the government to repatriate and bury Lungu in Zambia.
However, the family applied for permission to appeal the decision.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, August 11, 2025
