Allow us see ECL’s body, or else!

By NATION REPORTER

THE Zambian government has warned of unspecified legal action against the family of late former President Edgar Lungu should they refuse to allow government agents currently in South Africa to view the remains of the former head of State for purposes of identification and authentication.
But Attorney General, State Counsel Mulio Kabesha when contacted over the letter, said he was on an international call and promised to call back as soon as possible.
When repeatedly called, Mr Kabesha SC said he could not confirm the letter to Two Mountains Burial Services and the family of former President Lungu demanding to view the body because he had not seen the correspondence.
When informed by the reporter that in fact the letter had been shared with him on his WhatsApp, Mr Kabesha said he wanted to look at the letter before making a comment.
He however did not revert to either dismiss the letter or confirm it as authentic by press time.
However, Makebi Zulu, the spokesperson for the family of former President Lungu, when contacted dismissed assertions that the letter was fake and confirmed that he was in receipt of the letter from VFV, the law firm representing the Zambian government.
In a letter to Two Mountains Burial Services, VFV Attorneys, the lawyers representing the Zambian government, the government is demanding the morgue keeping the remains of the former head of State should grant them consent to view the body for the authentication of the identity of the body.
The Zambian government has warned that any refusal or failure by Two Mountains Burial Services shall regrettably leave the government with no alternative but to approach the court for appropriate relief.
The letter signed by VFV Attorneys’ Hemisha Gihwala, the Zambian government is claiming that viewing the body of former President Lungu was the necessary and respectful step to bring certainty to what it termed public and personal importance, warning that refusal to provide consent would regrettably compel the State to question the bona fides of the family position.
“We refer to the court order by deputy judge president Ledwaba dated June 25, 2025 as amended on. In terms of the said, our client is available to carry out this process on any day from today (June 27, 2025) at a time convenient to all parties concerned,” the letter signed by VFV Attorneys stated.
The letter further stated that any specific requirements or conditions for access, if applicable would be fulfilled.
“We hope that this process will not cause any harm or prejudice to the family, it is a necessary and respectful step to bring certainty to a matter of public and personal importance.”