Lungu family case adjourned for settlement talks
By George Zulu
THE High Court in Pretoria adjourned to Monday, 18 August, the hearing of former president Edgar Lungu’s application for leave to appeal, after both the family and government confirmed that discussions are underway to try and resolve the dispute over the late former president’s burial.
Lawyer, Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, appearing for the former first lady, Esther Lungu, and other family members, informed the Pretoria High Court that there were talks going on between the government representatives and the family.
He said the talks were about the possibility of resolving the impasse and a possible agreement.
“… parties are talking to each other about how to resolve the matter. If the discussion succeeds, the court will be informed. But we need more time than today, and we have agreed with my learned friend to ask the court for an indulgence to stand down the leave to appeal to Monday the 18th at 10 o’clock,” Ngcukaitobi said.
Deputy Judge President Aubrey Phago Ledwaba, who is the presiding judge, acknowledged the update with optimism, hoping that the matter would be resolved.
“We had a brief discussion with the council in chambers. There is a saying that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and we hope that this is real light, not the oncoming train in the tunnel. And I have discussed with my colleagues. We also agree that the matter to stand down to Monday at 10 o’clock, and we are still optimistic that the finality that would be in the interest of all the parties would be reached. Stand down to Monday, 10 o’clock, as you please,” Judge Ledwaba.
The court granted the request, standing the matter down to Monday morning.
If no agreement is reached by then, the High Court would proceed to hear the application, which seeks to overturn its earlier order directing that Lungu’s remains be handed to the Zambian government for repatriation and a state funeral.
