Zambia is in the middle of a tense moment as President Hakainde Hichilema has openly rejected claims linking him to witchcraft in the death of his predecessor, Edgar Lungu. The rumours, mostly pushed by Lungu’s Patriotic Front party, suggest the government wanted to use the late leader’s body for sinister purposes—a claim Hichilema called regrettable and deeply disrespectful.
Lungu passed away in a South African hospital on June 5 after battling an undisclosed illness. Since then, his family and the government have been locked in a bitter standoff over burial rights. The dispute escalated until South Africa’s Constitutional Court ordered that his remains be released for repatriation, clearing the way for a state funeral in Lusaka.
Speaking on a podcast with Martine Dennis, Hichilema struck a conciliatory tone, apologising for how the situation had unfolded. “We are sorry about exposing the family, the country, the region, the world to this unfortunate situation,” he said, stressing that Lungu deserved dignity in death despite their fierce rivalry during the 2021 elections.
But the Patriotic Front’s witchcraft accusations cast a shadow over the moment. Hichilema strongly pushed back: “Personally I don’t believe in witchcraft, never believed in witchcraft, as a person, as a family, as a Christian… that now such a subject can take centre stage is regrettable.” He urged Zambians to move beyond the noise and focus on honouring their sixth president with the same military honours given to his predecessors.
Beyond the funeral, tensions remain high. Lungu’s widow and children are battling corruption charges, which they claim are politically motivated. Hichilema acknowledged those concerns but insisted such issues would be addressed after the burial. For now, he said, the priority is unity and respect.
The state funeral is expected to attract regional leaders, serving as both a solemn farewell to Edgar Lungu and a test of whether Zambia can rise above political bitterness in this sensitive moment.
