THERE will be no body viewing of the mortal remains of the late President of the Republic of Zambia Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
This is according to the burial programme released online earlier today.
According to the programme, the Requiem Mass Service for the late head of State will be held at the Cathedral of Christ the King, located at 186 Nugget Street, Hillbrow, Johannesburg, South Africa. 
The burial programme, released on https://accreditation.rememberingecl.org/ today, shows that there will be no body viewing.
Zambins and social media enthusiasts are wondering and questioning why body viewing is not indicated on the burial programme of former President Lungu.
The programme warns that the burial of Mr. Lungu in South Africa is expected to take place under tight security, with mourners required to be accredited and adhere to strict security protocols.
Among the rules set out include prohibition of mourners carrying large bags inside the venue.
While the programme confirms the presence of high-profile VIPs, their names have not been publicly disclosed.
Mourners willing to attend have also been advised to get accreditation through https://accreditation.rememberingecl.org/
Further, there will be a strict vetting process during the accreditation process.
Following the church service, a private burial procession will take place at approximately 13:30 hours at an unknown burial site.
The development has also surprised several PF members of Parliament who have travelled to attend the burial and pay last respects to their party leader.
It is striking that body viewing, which is a traditional ritual symbolising mourners paying their last respects for the deceased, will not take place! Body viewing is typically observed at funerals across the world. Usually, body viewing is only omitted in situations where the deceased’s body is not in good taste.
Zambia has always allowed mourners to pay their last respects to their departed, particularly high profile personalities like former heads of State.
In a country where respect for the dead is deeply rooted in culture and spiritual belief, the development in the case of late President Lungu seems to be a break away from the usual protocol.
Commentators wonder what it is that the Lungu family and PF were hiding, raising suspicions.
This means that the travelling mourners will only attend church service and return Zambia.
