The Pretoria High Court has adjourned to Monday, the 18th of August, for the hearing of the leave appeal by the Lungu family.

This was the shortest of all the court sessions in the Edgar Lungu burial impasse between the Zambian government and the Lungu family.

It was after both lawyers of the parties involved informed the court that the Zambian government and the Lungu family are in progressive talks.

Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi SC, appearing for Esther Lungu and other family members, told the court that the parties were "talking to each other about how to resolve the matter" and that more time was needed to explore a possible agreement.

"We have agreed with my learnt friend to ask the court for an indulgence to stand down the leave to appeal to Monday at 10 o'clock."

Deputy Judge President Aubrey Phago Ledwaba, acting as presiding judge, acknowledged the update with a note of optimism.

"It seems there is light at the end of the tunnel; we hope it is a real light, not the oncoming train in the tunnel."

The court granted the request, standing the matter down to Monday morning. 

If no agreement is reached by then, the High Court will 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.

The late Edgar Lungu, Zambia's immediate past president, died on 5th June in South Africa, where he was receiving treatment.

His immediate family have been involved in misunderstandings regarding how, where, and when to bury him.