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Chakwera seeks international assistance to help locate Chilima’s missing plane

247Malawi
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Chakwera seeks international assistance to help locate Chilima’s missing plane

By Chisomo Phiri

President Dr.Lazarus Chakwera says he has contacted neighbouring countries and development partners including the US, British, Norwegian and Israeli governments for support including the use of  specialised technologies to enhance the search and rescue mission for the missing plane carrying Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima and nine others.

Chakwera said this in his emergency nation address at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe last night.

Chakwera



The President said he is not sparing any available resource to ensure that the Vice President and the people he was travelling with are found.

He urged Malawians to use the updates from the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) whom he has instructed to provide regular updates to avoid being misinformed.

The president said the MDF has been instructed to continue with the search and rescue mission until the plane is found.

Chakwera further directed the MDF to provide regular updates on the search and rescue operation.

He also appealed for the nation to join hands in prayer for those who boarded the plane.

The plane carrying Chilima and nine others was supposed to land in the Northern Region capital of Mzuzu.

From there, the Vice President was to take over one hour long trip to Nkhata Bay for the burial of former Attorney General, Ralph Kasambara.

He had just returned from South Korea where he attended the Korea-Africa summit on delegation from President Chakwera.

According to reports, Chilima took the plane because he wanted to be back in Lilongwe by 5:00 pm to see off President Chakwera who was to depart Malawi for the Bahamas and Switzerland respectively.

However, at about 10:50 am, the ground crew made contact with the plane informing them that it would be impossible to land because of bad weather in Mzuzu.

The crew was advised to return to base.

That was the last contact that the plane made contact with the ground crew.

Others on the plane were Lukas Kapheni, Chisomo Chimaneni, Gloria Mtukule, Shanil Dzimbiri, Dan Kanyemba, Abdul Lapukeni, Colonel Sambalopa, Major Selemani and Major Aidin.

Mary Chilima changed plans not to go at the last minute

247Malawi
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Mary Chilima changed plans not to go at the last minute


By Burnett Munthali

According to our reliable sources, Mary Chilima was supposed to accompany the Vice President but she declined at the last minute because she had examinations to take.

Saulos Chilima, also did not want to travel but was pushed by some of his friends because Ralph Kasambara was a close friend.

He took a plane so that he could return in time to see off the President. Chilima returned home yesterday on Sunday and was very tired.

Mary Chilima

A good number of his close friends advised him not to travel because he was exhausted after a long flight.

The search is currently underway despite the bad weather in Chikangawa which is posing a challenge

Search for Chilima’s missing plane continues as the nation anxiously waits for good news

247Malawi
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Search for Chilima’s missing plane continues as the nation anxiously waits for good news

By Chisomo Phiri

The search for the missing plane that was carrying Vice President Saulos Chilima  continues in the thick vast forest of Chikangawa. Chilima’s plane went missing earlier today when it couldnt be traced  on the radar after it failed to land at Mzuzu Airport  due to extreme weather conditions.

The government through the office of president and cabinet has confirmed the news and declared that search mission is underway.

Chilima was on his way to Mzuzu, where he was expected to connect to Nkhata Bay for the burial of the late Ralph Kasambala.

It is said that the plane, belonging to the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) was returned about 10 minutes before landing at the Airport.

“Yes, I can confirm that the plane did not land in Mzuzu and the matter is being looked into,” said Joseph Moyo the Airport commandant at Mzuzu Airport.

Felix Njawala who speaks for Chilima’s United Transformation Movement (UTM), but also Pilirani Phiri, who speaks for the VP, said they have yet to get information on the VPs whereabouts.

Major Kelvin Mlelemba, of the MDF said he was not aware of the matter.

The plane left Lilongwe around 10 am and as of 3:45pm there was still no communication and trace of the plane.

CHREAA asks Chakwera to consider releasing elderly enemies

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CHREAA asks Chakwera to consider releasing elderly enemies

By Burnett Munthali

Centre for Human Rights, Education, Advice and Assistance (CHREAA) has asked President Lazarus Chakwera to consider releasing some elderly inmates from the country’s prisons during the forthcoming Independence Day Celebrations on July 6.

In a statement, the organisation’s executive director, Victor Mhango pleads for the release of Chafika Ndege, George Billiat, Wyson Khululupi, Zathyoka Thalipezi and Bamusi Bendulo.



All the five were on death penalty  before president commuted their sentences.

“These individuals do not pose any danger to the society. They are all first offenders and evidence points to their innocence,” reads part of the statement.

The statement further argues the five have medical conditions yet no adjustments have been made to accommodate their health concerns.

During recent Easter celebrations, Chakwera pardoned 49 prisoners across the country’s correctional facilities.

Photo shows some elderly inmates at Zomba Central Prison Elderly section.

Elderly inmates often experience challenges that their younger counterparts do not, such as health issues, difficulty accessing health care, a lack of programming, navigating an environment that is not designed for aging individuals, and challenges related to post-release, such as securing adequate housing.

People in prisons and jails are disproportionately likely to have chronic health problems including diabetes, high blood pressure, and HIV, as well as substance use and mental health problems.

Make sure older inmates receive all medical, dental and mental health services. They require more assistive services than their younger peers. Get to know them. By doing so, you will be more likely to notice changes in behavior and appearance, which may be indicators of dementia and depression.

Concerned DPP members writes Mutharika to help on funeral costs for Hope Chisanu

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Concerned DPP members writes Mutharika to help on funeral costs for Hope Chisanu

By Durell Namasani

Some concerned DPP members have written to the Party President Peter Mutharika concerned with the party’s lukewarm response in helping with funds to repatriate the body of the late Hope Chisanu who died in America on June 1st.

In a letter that 247 Malawi has seen, the concerned members writes “As you are aware Hope Chisanu was an integral part of our party’ operations  and a dedicated member who worked tirelessly to advance our cause . His contribution to DPP were invaluable and his passing is a significant loss to us all”

The late Hope Chisanu

Chisanu was  known for political programmes that supported the DPP regime during his tenure at national broadcaster MBC

Since his passing in America ,the family has issued a call  for assistance to repatriate the remains back to Malawi. A Go fund page has been set.

Malawi  remember Chisanu as an actor in films such as Seasons of a Life, The Last Fishing Boat, The Road to Sunrise, The Boy who harnessed the wind, All We Have is Us and many more.

But he was also a renowned broadcaster having made his name as a presenter on public broadcaster at Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC). He was also a part time master of ceremony for various social and corporate events. At the time of his death, he had relocated to the United States.

So far only $2,842 USD has been raised of $25,000 target

The Go fund link for donations is ;

https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-the-family-of-brother-hope-precious-chisanu

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