LUNGU MAY HAVE BEEN POISONED, IMPASSE IN SA GROWS

Round table condemns government's conduct

- SIFISO MAHLANGU

TENSIONS between the Zambian government and the family and supporters of late former president Edgar Chagwa Lungu have erupted into a full-blown crisis, with accusations that President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration is deliberately sidelining the Lungu family and the Patriotic Front (PF) from funeral arrangements.

The controversy has triggered outrage in Zambia and across the diaspora, with some going as far as accusing the current regime of having a hand in Lungu’s sudden death. The former President passed away in the early hours of June 5, at Mediclinic Medforum Hospital in Pretoria reportedly from chest complications. He had been under specialist care for several weeks.

His daughter, Tasila Lungu, confirmed the death in a sombre statement released from Lusaka.

“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of His Excellency Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, Sixth President of the Republic of Zambia, who departed this morning at 06:00 hours,” Tasila said.