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Tears and tension at Pretoria memorial: Lubinda questions treatment of late president Lungu

The sombre atmosphere was intensified by the sense of injustice voiced by Lubinda and others who allege that Lungu was mistreated even after leaving the presidency. Image: Supplied Attendees ranged from political leaders, civil society members, and Zambian expatriates to representatives of faith-based organisations. Image: Supplied Attendees ranged from political leaders, civil society members, and Zambian expatriates to representatives of faith-based organisations. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Image: Supplied In an emotionally charged memorial service held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Pretoria, mourners gathered in tears to pay their last respects to Zambia's former President Edgar Lungu, whose sudden death has left both political allies and critics grappling with grief and unanswered questions. Among those who delivered impassioned remarks was Patriotic Front (PF) Deputy President Given Lubinda, who used the solemn moment to question the treatment Lungu endured in the final years of his life. With his voice cracking and eyes filled with anguish, Lubinda stunned the congregation when he cried out, 'Why, God, why?' before recounting what he described as the former president's humiliation at the hands of the Zambian authorities. Attendees ranged from political leaders, civil society members, and Zambian expatriates to representatives of faith-based organisations. Image: Supplied 'Lungu did not fight back. His house was surrounded by police. His gates were broken down, not by thugs, but by police in the same uniform they used to salute him. Why, why?'Lubinda's speech drew visible emotion from the hundreds in attendance, many of whom had flown in from Zambia and across Southern Africa. Attendees ranged from political leaders, civil society members, and Zambian expatriates to representatives of faith-based organisations. The sombre atmosphere was intensified by the sense of injustice voiced by Lubinda and others who allege that Lungu was mistreated even after leaving the presidency. Lungu, who ruled Zambia from 2015 to 2021, had faced a string of legal investigations and political isolation after leaving office. In recent months, those close to him reported growing stress and health concerns, raising questions about possible poisoning. Attendees ranged from political leaders, civil society members, and Zambian expatriates to representatives of faith-based organisations. Image: Supplied Attendees ranged from political leaders, civil society members, and Zambian expatriates to representatives of faith-based organisations. Image: Supplied Attendees ranged from political leaders, civil society members, and Zambian expatriates to representatives of faith-based organisations. Image: Supplied The late president's body is currently in Pretoria, but its repatriation has been delayed due to what insiders call ' hostile diplomatic and logistical complications.' However, there may be a breakthrough on the horizon. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is reportedly stepping in to help mediate the situation. According to sources close to the matter, Ramaphosa and other regional leaders are set to speak this evening. This is aimed at resolving the deadlock and ensuring Lungu's body is returned to Zambia with the dignity befitting a former head of state. 'The body will not be arriving in Zambia tomorrow, some of the leaders of PF may be arrested in the days to come. Although the mortal remains of President Lungu were expected to arrive in Zambia on Wednesday, I can confirm that will not be happening,' said a government official familiar with the proceedings. Attendees ranged from political leaders, civil society members, and Zambian expatriates to representatives of faith-based organisations. Image: Supplied The meeting is expected to include representatives from the Zambian government, the Lungu family, the Patriotic Front, and members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Lubinda's emotional tribute has struck a chord with many in Zambia and beyond, reigniting debate over how former leaders should be treated once they leave office. 'Even if you disagree with someone politically, there must be a baseline of human decency,' said a PF supporter outside the cathedral. 'Lungu was our president. He deserved better.'