President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has announced the death of Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima.
In his address to the nation, President Chakwera confirmed that the wreckage of the plane carrying the Vice President and nine others has been found with no survivors.
President Chakwera expressed his condolences to the families of those who died in the crash and to the entire nation. “I can only imagine how much pain and anguish you all must be experiencing at this time,” he said.
Chakwera described Chilima as a distinguished man of honor, a devoted father and husband, and a great patriot who served the nation selflessly. “I consider it one of my greatest honors to have been deputized by him over the past four years,” he added.
The other individuals on the plane were Lucas Kapheni, Chisomo Chimaneni, Shanil Dzimbiri, Dan Kanyemba, Abdul Lapukeni, Colonel Sambalopa, Major Selemani, and Major Aidin. The President referred to them as great men and women of the nation, and their deaths as a significant loss to the people of Malawi.
President Chakwera extended his heartfelt appreciation to the Malawi Defence Force and all parties involved in the search and rescue mission. He also thanked all former Heads of State for their pledged support during this difficult time.
The retrieval of all nine bodies from the crash site in Thungwa Forest Reserve, Chikangawa, has been completed. The bodies will be transported by road to an aerodrome at Raiply, from where they will be airlifted to Lilongwe.