President Lazarus Chakwera has appealed to foreign governments and the international community to support investigations into the plane crash that killed Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others on Monday.
Chakwera made the appeal Thursday when he met over 20 heads of missions at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, where the envoys visited to offer their condolences.
“As the Malawi Defence Force begins its investigation into the cause of the crash today [Thursday], I am aware that some of your governments have expertise in this area, and so I ask you to render your support once we formally submit our request for assistance,” he said.
The President also expressed gratitude to foreign governments that quickly supported the search operations after it was reported that the aircraft was missing.
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“We received international assistance in finding the wreckage through various means, including additional search and rescue equipment, personnel and technical expertise.
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“In particular, I wish to single out the United States (US) Government for providing a US Defence aircraft to assist with the search operation, as well as the government of the Republic of Zambia for supplying two helicopters that transported the bodies of the deceased from the crash scene,” he said.
Chakwera also praised Chilima as an officer who was dedicated to advancing sustainable development through innovative ideas.
He said the fallen Vice President was a beacon of courage and hope, always leading by example and inspiring others to strive for excellence.
“In his quest and passion to ensure genuine and transformative development, Dr Chilima advocated for mindset change at all levels, in line with Malawi 2063 vision,” he said.
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Nancy Saungweme, Zimbabwean High Commissioner to Malawi and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, expressed sorrow at the loss.
“It has been a difficult time. Since the time we heard that all the passengers and crew had died, we decided to come to meet you to offer our condolences. We offer our deepest condolences. Please know that you are not alone in this grief,” Saungweme said.
The crash also claimed the lives of Patricia Shanil Dzimbiri, Lucas Kapheni, Chisomo Chimaneni, Daniel Kanyemba and Abdul Lapukeni.
The flight crew comprised MDF officers Pilot in Command Colonel Owen Sambalopa, Second in Command Major Flora Selemani and Major Wales Aidini, who was the aircraft engineer.
