Late Former President Edgar Lungu’s family spokesperson Makebi Zulu, has called on government to extend a formal apology for how it treated Mr. Lungu during his lifetime.
Speaking at a press briefing in Pretoria after the Church service of the former head of state, Mr. Zulu, who is also a lawyer, said that basic decency requires the state to acknowledge its past actions and seek to make amends now, that the former president has passed away.
Mr. Zulu criticized government’s continued legal battles with the Lungu family despite President Hakainde Hichilema’s official declaration marking the end of the national mourning period.
“President Lungu cannot be laid to rest without the truth being revealed,” said Mr. Zulu, adding that the ongoing court process provides the family a chance to share his story.
He further explained that the family’s refusal to proceed with burial in Zambia stems from what they perceive as hypocrisy by government, offering compassion in death that was absent during Mr. Lungu’s life.
Mr. Zulu asserted that until the court case is concluded, only the family has the right to keep and access the body.
He has also expressed hope that Mr. Lungu’s death would become a unifying moment for the nation.
By Margaret Mwanza
