Lungu Family Dismisses Poisoning Allegations Amidst Ongoing Inquiry. Lusaka, Zambia — The family of the late Edgar Lungu, former President of Zambia, has categorically denied allegations that he was poisoned before his death last year.
The ongoing investigation into these claims by South African authorities has delayed Lungu’s burial months after his death in June 2025 at the age of 68.
According to local reports, Lungu’s family has responded to multiple subpoenas issued by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
In correspondence sent earlier this month, the family’s legal team, Mashele Attorneys, emphasized there is no credible basis for the poisoning allegations and that they firmly reject them. They are cooperating with investigators but described the accusations as unsupported.
The investigation by SAPS has led to questions being posed to the Lungu family.
A spokesperson for SAPS told BBC that the matter is highly sensitive and cannot be discussed publicly at this stage. Since his death, the dispute over Lungu’s final resting place has escalated into a legal battle.
The Zambian government has sought to repatriate his remains and organize a state funeral with official honours.
However, Lungu’s family has opposed this plan, arguing that he had expressed a preference for a private burial in South Africa and did not want his political rival present at his funeral.
In August, a South African court ruled that Lungu’s body should be returned to Zambia, siding with the government.
But his widow has continued to challenge that decision, recently filing an appeal with the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein, seeking to overturn the earlier judgment.
The former president’s remains remain under strict security as the legal and investigative processes continue, leaving uncertainty over when and where he will finally be laid to rest. Further details are expected as the investigation unfolds and the legal battle over Lungu’s burial continues.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 4*
