Lungu died while receiving specialised medical treatment at a facility in Pretoria.

The late statesman’s body is expected to be repatriated on Wednesday, with memorial and funeral services set to be held in the capital, Lusaka. The Zambian government has confirmed that Lungu will be accorded a State funeral in recognition of his service to the nation.

Lungu served as Zambia’s sixth president from 2015 until 2021, when he lost the general election to the current President, Hakainde Hichilema. Prior to his Presidency, Lungu held key ministerial positions, including Minister of Defence and Minister of Justice.

--SABC/ChannelAfrica--