The wreck of a plane carrying Malawi’s vice-president, Saulos Chilima, has been found in Chikangawa Forest with no survivors. President Lazarus Chakwera confirmed the tragic news after a search and rescue operation was completed.
President Chakwera expressed deep sadness and sorrow as he informed the nation about the terrible tragedy. The aircraft, which was a military plane, was completely destroyed upon discovery. Vice-President Saulos Chilima, along with nine others, were on board the flight that disappeared from airport radars while flying in bad weather within Malawi. The search for the missing aircraft involved soldiers scouring Chikangawa Forest overnight and into the morning until the wreckage was located.
Saulos Chilima had been serving as vice-president of Malawi since 2014 and was widely loved in the country, especially among the youth. Despite being from different political parties, President Chakwera and Vice-President Chilima had formed an alliance during the 2020 elections. The vice-president was en route to represent the government at a funeral when the tragic incident occurred.
Dr. Chilima’s sudden death comes after a tumultuous period where he faced allegations of corruption in 2022 but was later cleared of charges by the court last month. He leaves behind his wife Mary and two children, Sean and Elizabeth. Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced as the military transports the remains of Dr. Chilima and other victims to Lilongwe for further proceedings.
