The South African Constitutional Court has rejected an application for a direct appeal that was recently lodged by the late Edgar Lungu's family.

However, the Zambian government has insisted on dialogue with the family in light of a balanced burial programme.

The late Lungu's family was seeking a direct appeal over the repatriation of the body by the government, as earlier ruled in the Pretoria High Court.

In a brief response, the Constitutional Court simply stated that leave to appeal directly to that court is refused.

"While the government respects the court's decision, it remains committed to working with Dr. Lungu's family to reach an arrangement that takes into consideration their wishes and interests but takes into account the rights of the government," said Patrick Kangwa, Secretary to Cabinet.

He added that "our position is unchanged. The late President deserves a dignified funeral in keeping with the stature of his office. We want to thank citizens for their understanding at this time and for avoiding inflammatory comments. Now is the time for all of us to keep the Lungu family in our thoughts and prayers as we mourn the loss of the former President."

With this new development, the Lungu family's leave to appeal that was recently indefinitely adjourned would not resume, depending on how they conclude their discussions with the government.