Overview
- Following Wednesday's claim by Zambia that it had taken custody after a South African court release, a Pretoria High Court order required the remains to be returned to the family's chosen mortuary.
- Judge Rochelle Francis-Subbiah's ruling blocks any repatriation to Zambia until a hearing set for May 21.
- The family filed an urgent application alleging the South African Police Service and Zambian agents removed the body without permission.
- The court directed the respondents, including SAPS and the Zambian government, to explain why they should not face contempt of court.
- The fight centers on a state funeral and burial at Embassy Park in Lusaka pushed by the Zambian government versus the family's plan for a private burial in South Africa tied to Lungu’s stated wishes.