By Kondanani Chilimunthaka

The accident that occurred at Tenenthe along Karonga Chitipa road on Saturday, 3rd June, 2023 has saddened State President, Lazarus Chakwera, saying as a nation the death of 24 and several others who have been injured is of great shock, hence a need to unite together in prayers and calling upon the Lord to bring comfort to the bereaved families and recovery to the injured.

Speaking at Nyungwe Primary School in Karonga on Monday, 5th June, 2023 when he represented President Chakwera at the sombre sendoff of 24 bodies of those who died during the fatal accident, Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale said President Chakwera is so touched that the nation has lost 24 of its citizens of which many were youths in such a tragedy.

“President Chakwera is so much saddened by the death of 24 people and the several others who have been injured following the accident on Saturday.

He is aware of the pains and grief that the bereaved families are passing through, hence his heartfelt condolences.

Further, Kawale said the President is thankful to the Regional Commissioner for police and the entire Police service, and health officials for Karonga DHO for their commitment since the tragedy occurred.

In his remarks the Minister of Youth and Sports said sports is instrumental in unity and development of the country, hence losing people who were ambassadors for unity and development is a great shock.

He then thanked President Chakwera for directing the Ministry of Local Government, and Department of Disaster Management (DoDMA) to work hand in hand with his Ministry in such a trying moment.

The Speaker of the National Assembly who also spoke during the sendoff of the 24 bodies said it is shocking and heartbreaking to lose a mass of 24 at once. But she thanked people of Karonga and Chitipa for coming together in unity regardless of their affiliations in the society.

In his mourning remarks,
Paramount chief Kyungu of Chitipa and Karonga asked the government to ban the use of open vehicles whenever people are travelling for long distances, saying it puts the lives of many people at risk.

Paramount Kyungu then concurred with senior chief Mwelan’gombe in thanking President Lazarus Chakwera for quickly coming in with food, coffins, and transport assistance during the tragedy.

President Chakwera has since condole the bereaved families with K7.5 Million Kwacha.

Among those who attended the ceremony include, Harry Mlekanjala Mkandawire, Owen Chomanika, Catherine Gotani Hara, Uchizi Mkandawire, Richard Msowoya, Frank Mwenifumbo, Paramount Chief Kyungu, the clergy, and Water Nyamilandu.