By Burnett Munthali
President Lazarus Chakwera has addressed the nation where he has confirmed the sad news that Vice President Saulos Chilima has died together with 9 others when their plane crash landed in Chikangawa Forest.
Social media was awash with unverified pictures circulating on social media show a wreckage of a plane with the same number as that was quoted in Chakwera’s statement issued yesterday.
In his address to the nation, Chakwera said the wreckage of the plane that carried the Vice President and nine others has been found with no survivors.
President Chakwera conveyed his condolences to the families of those who have died in the crash, and the entire nation.
“I can only imagine how much pain and anguish you all must be having at this point in time,” the President said.
Chakwera described Chilima as a distinctive man of honour, a great father and husband, as well as a great patriot who has served the nation selflessly.
“I consider it one of my greatest honour to be deputised by him in the last four years,” he said.
Other individuals in the plane were Lucas Kapheni, Chisomo Chimaneni, Shanil Dzimbiri, Dan Kanyemba, Abdul Lapukeni, Colonel Sambalopa, Major Selemani and Major Aidin, whom the president described as great men and women of the nation and their death is a great loss to the people of Malawi.
Chakwera extended his heartfelt appreciation to the Malawi Defence Force and all parties involved in the search and rescue mission.
He also extended his gratitude to all former Heads of State for the support they have pledged during these trying times.
