Claim
A Facebook post published by Malawi24, a Malawi-based media page, alleged that the former president’s family intends to hold a burial in Lusaka on June 5, 2026. The claim was attributed to Zambia Watchdog, which had published a similar post on its Facebook page on March 24, 2026. Other Facebook pages, including The Slice Magazine (also Malawi-based) and Pulse Television Zambia, also shared the same claim. The claim was also circulated on WhatsApp and social media. Some social media users also reached out to iVerify using our TipLine to verify the claim.
Verification
To verify the authenticity of the circulating information, iVerify Zambia contacted Makebi Zulu, the lawyer and official spokesperson for former President Lungu and his family. In his response, Mr. Zulu categorically dismissed the allegation, labeling it as “fake news.” He confirmed that no such burial plans have been communicated or endorsed by the family.
Conclusion
The claim that former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu will be buried in Lusaka on June 5, 2026, is false. There is no official confirmation or statement from the family or the government supporting the claim.
Rating justification
This fact matters because misinformation about the death and burial of a prominent figure like Edgar Chagwa Lungu can cause public anxiety, confusion, and emotional distress. It also undermines trust in the media when platforms, particularly those with a wide following, share unverified claims, making it harder to distinguish truth from falsehood. Additionally, in a politically sensitive context where the country is preparing for elections, such claims can fuel unnecessary speculation and tension.
