President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera on Friday afternoon led the nation in condoling with the family of former State Vice President Dr. Justin Malewezi at his residence in Likuni Township in Lilongwe.

He condoled with both the bereaved family and the Chewa Heritage Foundation through Zambia based Chewa supreme leader Kalonga Gawa Undi.

In his condolence with the bereaved family, the Chewa Supreme Leader equally expressed deep shock and sadness on the loss of one of their own. Dr. Malewezi was Advisor to Kalonga Gawa Undi.

Among those who came to vigil with the bereaved on Friday was a cross section of senior government officials including cabinet ministers.

The former ruling UDF under whose administration Dr. Malewezi served as State Vice President was represented by former cabinet Minister Atupele Muluzi.

Earlier in the day, there was a requiem mass for Dr. Malewezi at St. Peters Anglican Church within the city.

Late Dr Justin Malewezi was the country’s first State Vice President under multiparty democracy. He served for a period of 10 years from 1994 to 2004.

His funeral service will be held this Saturday April 24 at Likuni Boys Secondary School ground in Lilongwe, from 8 o’clock in the morning.

President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has since directed that his funeral be held with full military honours.

Dr. Malewezi died in Lilongwe on Saturday April 17. He was born in 1944. –