The Parliamentary Ad hoc Committee that is investigating the June 10, 2024 plane crash that claimed the lives of former vice-president Saulos Chilima and eight others in Chikangawa Forest has indicated that it is ready for the next stage: public hearings.
In the crash, former first lady Patricia Shanil Dzimbiri, Lucas Kapheni, Chisomo Chimaneni, Dan Kanyemba, Abdul Lapukeni as well as Colonel Owen Sambalopa, Major Flora Selemani and Major Aidin—who are the personnel who were operating the Malawi Air Force plane—also died.
According to communication from the committee, investigations will continue on June 17, 2026, when committee members will focus on public hearings at Parliament Building in Lilongwe City.
According to a media advisory signed by the committee’s chairperson Walter Nyamilandu, the work will be done up to June 26, 2026.
- Advertisement -
Nyamilandu says he expects the hearings to establish baseline facts with a focus on the core flight arrangements and decision-making processes related to the flight.
- Advertisement -
“The committee has invited relevant witnesses to appear and provide testimony. These include, but are not limited to, family members of the deceased passengers, representatives of the Malawi Defence Force, officials from the Office of the Vice President, the Office of the Secretary to the President and Cabinet,” he says.
Nyamilandu indicates that some testimonies will be made openly while others will be made in camera.
“A hybrid approach will be adopted, certain hearings will be held in camera while, in other cases, they will be open to the public depending on the nature of the witness as to be determined by the committee,” he says.
National Advocacy Platform Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe said there was a need to ensure the independence of the processes.
- Advertisement -
“These are important steps because they help build a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and promote transparency in a matter of significant national interest. What is important is that the process remains independent, evidence-based and focused on establishing facts rather than reinforcing preconceived conclusions,” Kondowe said.
The committee, which comprises members of Parliament from various political parties and independent lawmakers, was established during parliamentary deliberations that were held recently.
Between May 18 and 22 this year, committee members conducted site visits to some parts of the country.
The visited sites include Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, Nthungwa Forest in Chikangawa, Mzuzu Airport and Cobbe Barracks in Zomba.
The nine people met their fate on their way to Nkhata Bay, where they were scheduled to attend the funeral service of lawyer Ralphael Kasambara.
The fresh inquiry follows President Peter Mutharika’s nod to the suggestion of a fresh probe.
