Whatever the outcome in ECL’s case, HH is the loser – Lubinda

By BARNABAS ZULU

GIVEN Lubinda has said whatever the outcome of the court case in which the Zambian government has sued the family of late former President Edgar Lungu in the South African High Court demanding the release and repatriation of the remains of the former head of State, President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND government will still come out as the biggest losers.
Speaking to PF supporters who gathered at a church in South Africa on the sidelines of the ongoing legal battle in the Pretoria High Court, Mr Lubinda, the Patriotic Front (PF) acting president has accused President Hichilema of having mishandled the matter from the time former President Lungu died.
“We have been waiting for this day for a long time. We hope that today is the start and the close of this case,” Mr Lubinda said. “You cannot continue to make the family suffer like this. Whatever the outcome of this case, the loser is Hakainde Hichilema. The winner in this matter is Edgar Chagwa Lungu.”
He said the way the United Party for National Development (UPND) government had handled the death of President Lungu had brought untold emotional pain and distress to the bereaved family.
“This matter has just exposed the UPND government as a government that is totally heartless – a government that can subject a widow to mourn for 60 days,” Mr Lubinda said. “A government that can bring a corpse into court.”
He stated that the PF and all well-meaning Zambians were waiting for the court’s ruling, which is expected this week.
“They have heard the hearing. They listened to the submissions and they have told us that either tomorrow, or by latest Friday, the judgement will be delivered,” Mr Lubinda told the supporters.
He urged PF members and Zambians living in South Africa to remain peaceful and united regardless of the provocations from other groups.
“So, let us go back to our homes and be united,” he said. “We shall tell you if the judgement is tomorrow. We ask you to come and listen to the judgement.”
Mr Lubinda appreciated the support the party had received during the legal standoff.
“I want to thank the leadership of the PF and thank all of you Zambians in South Africa,” he said. “Don’t worry about those who are hired to come and make noise at court. You are doing this because of the love that you have. Go back to your home peacefully and let us meet again when we are going to receive the judgement.”