Malawi: President of Malawi, Lazarus Chakwera has assured Malawians that the government will conduct investigations on the plane crash that killed the Vice President and eight other inhabitants. The President added that they will ensure a thorough and transparent independent investigation.
The government of Malawi confirmed that they are taking the investigation of the plane crash very seriously. The crash which killed nine occupants of a military flight happened at Chikangawa forest in Mzimba district on Monday.
The funeral ceremony for the late Vice President took place at Bing stadium in Lilongwe. During the ceremony, President Chakwera delivered a brief eulogy in the honor of the late Vice President.
In his eulogy, President Chakwera said he has already asked other countries to assist with the investigation.
“I understand that Malawi Defence Force (MDF) has its own protocols of conducting investigations, however that alone is not enough. Therefore, as of now it is necessary to involve independent investigators so that all Malawians including me should have solid answers on what really happened.
“I humbly implore all Malawians to remain calm and patient, as we will be waiting for the findings of the investigation. I also want to assure you that every Malawian will know the findings of the investigation once completed” he said.
Late Vice President of Malawi, Saulos Chilima served as the deputy of President Lazarus Chakwera for four years. The President considered it his honor to work alongside VP Chilima for the benefit of the nation.
The president noted that the four years he worked with Chilima, he has learnt the virtues of patience, forgiveness, peace and hard work.
The son of the late Vice President, Sean, also delivered a brief eulogy on the funeral of his father. He described his late father as role model, leader and a great family man.
“My dad used to start his day with morning prayers at an altar in the house, then he would join the 6 o’clock mass at church, he would then exercise before starting his official work. This attest to how devoted my father was to his faith” he said.
He further said the many tributes and stories that Malawians are sharing about his father, is a testimony of a great man, his late father was.
President of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi, Archbishop George Tambala also paid his tribute to the former Vice President. He said Chilima’s teachings will continue to inspire the young people to strive for the best.
Tambala said Chilima has taught the country to believe in the impossible. He described Chilima, as a humble man, who served God with passion, and could do any church tasks, including mopping in the church regardless of his status in the society.
Late Chilima is expected to be laid to rest on Monday, 17th June 2024, in his home village in Nsipe, Ntcheu. He was born on 12th February 1973 and is survived by a wife and two children, Sean and Elizabeth.