In a somber address to the nation, President Lazarus Chakwera announced Tuesday the tragic loss of State Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima and eight others in a plane crash in Chikangawa Forest.
On Monday, Chakwera had directed the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) and other security agencies to find the missing plane that carried Chilima, Lucas Kapheni, Chisomo Chimaneni, former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri, Dan Kanyemba and Abdul Lapukeni.
Also on board were Colonel Owen Sambalopa, Major Flora Selemani and Major Aidin, who were operating it.
Tuesday, with tears filled in his eyes and a mumbling voice, Chakwera said it was news that Malawians and everyone was not expecting to hear.
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“I am deeply saddened and sorry to inform you all that it has turned out to be a terrible tragedy,” Chakwera said, his voice heavy with emotion.
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“The search and rescue team has found the aircraft completely destroyed, with no survivors, as all passengers on board were killed on impact.”
These words sent people in the room into deep sobs, including Cabinet ministers who could not hide their tears.
The President described the incident as a “heartbreaking” and “terrible loss” for the nation, acknowledging the pain and anguish felt by all Malawians.
“Dr Chilima was a good man, a devoted father and husband, a patriotic citizen who served his country with distinction, and a formidable Vice President,” Chakwera said.
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“I consider it one of the greatest honours of my life to have had him as my deputy and counsellor for the past four years, and his passing is a terrible loss to his wife Mary, his family, his friends, his colleagues in Cabinet, and to all of us as a nation that found his leadership and courage a source of inspiration,” he said, in a mumbled voice.
The President also extended his condolences to families of the other eight passengers who lost their lives in the tragedy, describing them as “men and women of honour who served their country with distinction”.
As the nation is mourning the tragic loss, Chakwera has called for unity and comfort in the face of adversity.
“I humbly ask you all to observe with me a minute of silence in honour of their memory. May their souls rest in peace,” Chakwera said.
MDF Commander, General Peter Phiri, led the search and rescue operation, which was conducted under difficult weather conditions.
Also expressing shock is the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC), which has expressed concern over the tragic loss of the Vice President, whom the coalition describes as a dedicated public servant who devoted his life to the people of Malawi.
In a Statement, HRDC Chairperson Gift Trapence said: “This is, indeed, a profound loss for Malawi, and we call for an immediate and thorough investigation into this tragic event to understand the cause.”
Trapence then condoled with widow Mary Chilima, her children, entire family members and the families of those who have lost their lives in the tragedy.
