The legal battle over former President Edgar Lungu’s repatriation in South Africa has taken a significant turn, with the family dismissing their previous lawyer, Casper Welgemoed, citing underperformance.
Welgemoed, who appeared increasingly unprepared during earlier court sessions, was replaced by senior counsel Tembeka Ngcukaitobi at the Pretoria High Court. Observers noted that Welgemoed struggled to respond to questions from the bench, raising concerns about his ability to represent the family effectively.
Judge Audrey Ledwaba granted the request for a change in legal representation, expressing optimism for a resolution. “We hope there is light at the end of the tunnel. We are still optimistic that finality will be reached in the interest of all parties,” she said.
Ngcukaitobi informed the court that discussions between the family and opposing parties are ongoing, with both sides seeking a mutually agreeable solution. He requested a postponement to allow these talks to continue, proposing that the matter be revisited on Monday, 18 August 2025, at 10:00 hours.
The case follows a ruling last Friday ordering that the late president’s remains be returned to Zambia for a state funeral and burial at Embassy Park. Members of the Lungu family opposed the judgment and filed an application for leave to appeal, arguing that the court erred in its decision.
The legal proceedings have attracted public attention due to the high-profile nature of the case and the sensitive issues involved, including state protocol, family interests, and national sentiment. The court will reconvene next Monday to hear updates on the discussions and determine the way forward.
The switch to Ngcukaitobi signals a strategic move by the family to strengthen their legal position and ensure that the matter is resolved efficiently and professionally in South African courts.