Malawi is mourning the loss of Vice President Saulos Chilima and nine other individuals who tragically lost their lives in a small plane crash. The incident occurred in the mountainous region in the northern part of the country, as confirmed by President Lazarus Chakwera on Tuesday. Chilima, aged 51, was among the victims of this devastating crash.

President Chakwera shared the heartbreaking news that the wreckage of the plane, which had gone missing on Monday morning, was discovered after an extensive 24-hour search in the thick forests and hilly terrain near Mzuzu. He revealed that the aircraft had been completely destroyed, with no survivors. The President expressed his deep sorrow, acknowledging the pain and anguish felt by the nation, while honoring Chilima as a dedicated public servant, father, and husband.

 

Chilima and His wife stepping down from the Plane

The victims' remains are being transported to the capital city of Lilongwe, with the group including members of Chilima's team, former first lady Shanil Dzimbiri, and three crew members. The plane was en route from Lilongwe to Mzuzu to attend a funeral when air traffic controllers advised against landing due to adverse weather conditions. Following this decision, the plane disappeared from radar, leading to a frantic search effort by hundreds of soldiers, police officers, and forest rangers.

The wreckage was eventually found in the Chikangawa Forest, with images showing the devastation caused by the crash. The aircraft, operated by the Malawian armed forces, did not have a transponder, raising concerns about the response time and safety measures for a high-level delegation. Chilima and Chakwera, who previously worked together to challenge election results and lead Malawi, had a complex political relationship marked by shared victories and disagreements.

 As the nation comes to terms with this tragic loss, Malawi remembers Vice President Saulos Chilima and the other victims of the military plane crash with deep respect and sorrow.