The protracted dispute surrounding the body of a former Head of State is causing significant emotional distress to the bereaved family and imposing a financial burden on the state. Mr. Changala, speaking to Q News, emphasized the importance of acknowledging that people have moved on from the former President's death, evidenced by the government's continued full operational status. He noted that President Hichilema has been conducting official business both domestically and internationally, which, according to Changala, further signifies that the nation has moved forward. Changala suggested that the government should withdraw from the funeral arrangements and allow the family to proceed as they deem fit. He also questioned the government's plan for burying the late former President's body should they win the ongoing legal case and the family opt out of official involvement.

Meanwhile, the issue is complicated by allegations of poisoning following the former President's death. Patriotic Front (PF) faction Secretary General Raphael Nakacinda, appearing on South Africa's Newzroom Afrika, stated on June 18, 2025, that the Lungu family's insistence on an independent post-mortem was to address their concerns regarding the cause of death. Nakacinda expressed the PF and Tonse Alliance's support for the family, stressing that proper closure requires answers to all family questions. This comes after the South African Police Service (SAPS) subpoenaed Two Mountains Burial Services, believed to be holding the former President's remains, demanding their release for a post-mortem to investigate the poisoning allegations.

In response to these developments, Lusaka lawyer Makebi Zulu accused the government of hiring a private investigator for a post-mortem. However, Attorney General Kabesha, in an interview, clarified his role, stating he has no involvement in criminal investigations related to the death. Kabesha explained that his ongoing High Court case in Pretoria is a civil matter focused solely on ensuring the former President's remains are brought to Zambia for burial. He distanced himself from the criminal allegations of poisoning, stating that such matters fall under the jurisdiction of the police in South Africa, not the Zambian Attorney General or police.

Kabesha urged Zambians not to forget the initial allegations of poisoning made immediately after the former President's death, questioning why those who first made these claims are not being pressed to substantiate them. He asserted that the government does not know the cause of death and his role is limited to facilitating an honourable burial in Zambia. Kabesha also expressed frustration over Makebi Zulu's public statements, noting an agreement with the Secretary to the Cabinet to avoid media engagement during negotiations. He highlighted that while one side is respecting this confidentiality, the other, referring to Zulu, continues to speak to the media, undermining the negotiation process and fostering distrust towards the government.