The family of the late former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has filed its response to the lawsuit in the South African court, dwindling chances of dialogue over the burial impasse.
However, a Zambian national residing in South Africa, Vincent Kafula, has submitted a 28-page joinder application to the Pretoria High Court, petitioning for the repatriation of the remains of the former president.
Kafula asserted that his affidavit aims to demonstrate the necessity of intervention in the interests of justice and to protect fundamental human rights.
He stated that the South African High Court possesses inherent jurisdiction under Section 173 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa to hear matters of public importance, particularly those alleging violations of international human rights norms.
In his submission, Kafula stated he has a direct and substantial interest in the case due to his commitment to defending constitutional principles and human rights in Zambia.
He emphasised his intention to be fair and impartial in his contributions, saying he has no personal stake in the dispute and nothing to gain.
Kafula argued that it is in the best interest of the Zambian public for the late former president, whom he described as dearly loved by many, to be buried at Embassy Park in Zambia, alongside other former presidents.
This, he argues, would allow all Zambians, including those with limited means, to visit his final resting place without crossing international borders.
He has submitted that the Court must balance the public interest with the wishes of the Lungu family, who desire that the late president be buried in South Africa due to the "state-sponsored persecution he faced during his lifetime and his status as a private citizen at the time of his death".
Kafula also prayed that the court declare that President Hakainde Hichilema be permitted to attend Lungu's funeral, wherever it takes place, to represent the Zambian people.
Zambia's legislative framework governing benefits for former presidents explicitly provides that upon death, the state bears all expenses.
The legal proceedings are ongoing in the Pretoria High Court, and the next hearing is now set for 18th July.