In a tragic turn of events, the Vice President of Malawi, Saulos Chilima, has been confirmed dead after the wreckage of a plane he was on was discovered in Chikangawa Forest. The plane, which went missing on Monday morning, was carrying Chilima and nine others. President Lazarus Chakwera confirmed that there were no survivors.
The military aircraft disappeared from radar while flying in bad weather. Soldiers conducted an overnight search in Chikangawa Forest, leading to the grim discovery. During a press briefing, President Chakwera expressed deep sorrow and conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims. He described the scene as devastating, with the plane completely destroyed.
Vice President Chilima, who had served as vice president for a decade, was en route to represent the government at the burial of a former government minister, Ralph Kasambara. Alongside Chilima, former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri was also on the ill-fated flight. The plane had taken off from Lilongwe and was destined for Mzuzu, but poor visibility forced it to turn back.
The remains of the victims are being transported to Lilongwe by the military, with funeral arrangements to be announced later. President Chakwera praised Chilima as a devoted father, formidable vice president, and a trusted counsellor. Chilima, who was widely respected, particularly among the youth, had faced legal challenges in recent years but was exonerated of corruption charges last month.
The crash has left Malawi in mourning, with tributes pouring in for the vice president. He is survived by his wife, Mary, and their two children, Sean and Elizabeth. The nation now prepares to bid farewell to a leader who had a significant impact on Malawi’s political landscape.
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