The South African Constitutional Court has rejected an application for a direct appeal that was recently lodged by the late Edgar Lungu's family.

However, the Zambian government has insisted on dialogue with the family in light of a balanced burial programme.

Judge Moses Chinhengo has dismissed Sacky Shanghala's application, paving the way for the Fishrot scandal's main trial to proceed, though not without challenges, such as the right to legal representation and possible appeals.