Lusaka, Zambia – June 15, 2025
Late former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s family spokesperson Mr Makebi Zulu has categorically denied allegations that the Lungu family demanded the withdrawal of all court cases involving family members or associates in exchange for releasing the late president’s body.
“Negotiations were never about pending matters in court relating to any of the members of the family or associates of the former president,” the spokesperson stated.
“And I’m sure the Secretary to the Cabinet may agree that that was never the discussion in those meetings. That never even arose in our negotiations.”
The remarks come amid claims circulating on social media and UPND-aligned pages suggesting that the Lungu family had set conditions for releasing the body, including that all court cases against them be dropped.
“These discussions were guided by one thing to honor the wishes of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, to honor his family, and give the Zambian people an opportunity to mourn their leader with dignity,” the source emphasized.
The government, through the Office of the Secretary to the Cabinet, nodded in affirmative that at no time were the discussions on any court case.
President Lungu, who passed away earlier this monthh, is expected to be accorded a state funeral. Plans for the ceremony are ongoing amid calls for unity and respect during the period of national mourning.
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