Pretoria, South Africa – August 15, 2025 – The family of the late former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has made a significant move in their ongoing legal struggle by appointing South Africa’s most respected Senior Counsel, Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, to lead their legal team in the high-profile repatriation case before the Pretoria High Court.
This strategic decision comes after the family parted ways with their previous lawyer, Casper Welgemoed, whose performance in earlier court proceedings raised concerns. Observers noted that Welgemoed struggled to address pointed questions from the bench, prompting the Lungu family to seek a more formidable legal advocate to represent their interests. Ngcukaitobi’s reputation as a constitutional heavyweight and human rights champion has now brought considerable legal muscle to the case, which has drawn widespread attention across the continent.
Related: Court Orders Repatriation of Former President Edgar Lungu’s Remains Despite Family Objections
Renowned for his fearless advocacy, Ngcukaitobi has a storied career that includes landmark cases such as exposing state capture under former South African President Jacob Zuma and defending President Cyril Ramaphosa in the CR17 campaign funding dispute. His recent appearance at the International Court of Justice, representing South Africa in a high-stakes genocide case against Israel, has further solidified his status as one of the region’s most accomplished legal minds.
The repatriation case centers on the contentious issue of returning the late President Lungu’s remains to Zambia for a state funeral, a decision opposed by the family, who have filed an application for leave to appeal a recent Pretoria High Court ruling. The family argues that the proposed arrangements contradict Lungu’s final wishes and lack their consent, adding layers of complexity to an already emotionally charged legal battle.
Ngcukaitobi’s involvement signals a determined effort by the Lungu family to bolster their position as negotiations with the Zambian government continue. During a court appearance today, he requested a postponement to facilitate ongoing discussions, with the matter set to reconvene on Monday, August 18, 2025. This development has intensified speculation that the case could set a precedent for constitutional governance and family rights in the region.
The legal shake-up underscores the high stakes involved, with both sides seeking a resolution that honors the late president’s legacy while addressing national and familial sentiments. As the courtroom drama unfolds, Ngcukaitobi’s expertise is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of this landmark case.
