By Vincent Gunde
Political activist Bon Kalindo says the ongoing inquiry into the death of Dr. Saulos Chilima and eight others in the Chikangawa forest on Monday, 10th June 2024, has taught him that a person must learn to trust themselves.
Kalindo said those dining with you today can be the ones to turn against you tomorrow. He claimed that Dr. Chilima was betrayed by people close to him.
He said he did not expect that those who were very close to Dr. Chilima would give contradictory testimony before the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee. The conflicting statements, he argued, suggest that money played a role in Chilima’s death.
Speaking in an audio clip, Kalindo said he does not believe that Dr. Chilima went to attend the funeral service of Ralph Kasambala of his own accord or that he took MK 5 million in cash as condolences for the Kasambala family.
Kalindo urged Malawians to trust their hearts as their best guide. He said this is why those who dined with Dr. Chilima while he was alive have not stood up for his memory during the ongoing investigations.
“Money is dangerous. It can corrupt a person’s thinking and force them to make contradictory statements,” he said.
In the audio clip, Kalindo thanked the government and well-wishers for working to bring Malawians stranded in South Africa home.
He noted that reports confirm buses are arriving from South Africa with Malawians, calling it a good gesture. He said Malawians should love and assist one another, adding that those displaced by South Africa’s Operation Dudula need love and compassion.
He said he would have preferred if the government had coordinators in South Africa to share information. He claimed that some Malawians are only hearing about the buses and do not know where they are stationed in South Africa.
“Information sharing is a must. These Malawians need to know where to meet the buses and how to get there from where they are hiding, since they don’t have papers,” said Kalindo.
He said there are reports that some buses are dropping Malawians in Mwanza and urged the government to ensure all buses reach Kamuzu Stadium.
The activist also advised the government to stop issuing passports to people traveling to South Africa unless they have valid reasons, other than searching for greener pastures.
