Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe was overcome with grief last evening as a Zambian Air Force plane that carried the remains of State Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima and eight others touched down at 17:30 hours.
The air was heavy with tears of sorrow as people from all walks of life, who were led by President Lazarus Chakwera, wept.
Chilima’s widow, Mary, was also present, her sobs echoing through the airport.
As the plane landed, the somber mood was palpable.
As ambulances and soldiers approached the helicopter that carried the remains of the UTM leader and eight others, Chakwera, with a comforting “pepani, take heart” message, received the bodies.
The other eight are 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.
Immediately after the President received the bodies, sorrowful hymns filled the air, sung by a group of church women and other well-wishers who had gathered at the airport.
Nine ambulances, including the one carrying the Vice President’s body, departed the airport after a prayer was said.
Former president Joyce Banda, accompanied by former first gentleman Richard Banda, was in attendance.
Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu announced that a committee would meet to finalise funeral arrangements.
“A committee will communicate the programme once it [the programme] has been finalised,” Kunkuyu said.
Regarding the victims, Kunkuyu added: “Initially, we were informed of 10 fatalities but we now have confirmation of nine. One family has requested a swift burial according to their religious beliefs, and arrangements are being made accordingly.”
Meanwhile, the nation is mourning the loss of Chilima and all those that died in the plane crash.
