Malawi’s Vice President, Saulos Chilima, has been confirmed dead alongside nine others in a devastating plane crash.
President Lazarus Chakwera made the somber announcement on Tuesday, revealing that the aircraft carrying Chilima had been found completely destroyed with no survivors.
The ill-fated plane took off from Lilongwe on Monday morning but lost contact with aviation authorities due to poor visibility, failing to land at Mzuzu airport as scheduled.
Search and rescue efforts tragically ended in the discovery of the wreckage in the Chikangawa Forest, with all onboard confirmed deceased.
Chilima, a potential candidate in next year’s presidential election, had faced graft allegations in 2022 but was cleared of charges last month.
His death has sent shockwaves throughout the nation, with President Chakwera expressing deep sadness and describing the incident as a “terrible tragedy.”
“I’m deeply saddened, I’m sorry to inform you all that it has turn out to be a terrible tragedy. The search and rescue team has found the aircraft near a hill… they have found it completely destroyed with no survivors,” President Chakwera, said.
