By Burnett Munthali
Dickson Kashoti writes that those who spread lies and fueled conspiracy theories surrounding the tragic plane crash that killed Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima and eight others are now facing the consequences of their misinformation. With the release of the Commission of Inquiry’s report, which attributed the crash to bad weather, the baseless claims have been debunked, and those responsible for propagating them are now walking with their heads down in shame.
In the days following the devastating crash, numerous unfounded conspiracy theories emerged. Some individuals speculated that the crash was not due to weather conditions, but rather other factors such as sabotage, mechanical failure, or even political motives. These theories quickly spread across social media platforms, causing confusion and distress among the public.
Many of these conspiracy theorists seemed eager to exploit the tragedy for personal gain, sowing doubt and fear rather than allowing for a fair and unbiased investigation into the cause of the crash. However, their claims were always based on speculation and not on concrete evidence.
The Commission of Inquiry, led by Justice Jabbar Alide, meticulously examined the circumstances surrounding the crash. After analyzing flight data, witness testimonies, and other critical factors, the Commission concluded that adverse weather conditions were the primary cause of the accident. The investigation found that the plane encountered heavy turbulence, which contributed to the tragic outcome.
The Commission’s conclusion serves as a blow to those who sought to distract from the real causes of the crash with baseless allegations. The findings reaffirm the importance of relying on thorough investigations and credible evidence in understanding such tragedies.
Kashoti notes that those who chose to amplify lies and spread unfounded theories about the crash are now left embarrassed. Their misleading narratives have been exposed for what they were: a form of exploitation during a time of national mourning. The Commission’s findings have silenced their falsehoods and highlighted the importance of truth in the aftermath of such a devastating event.
As the nation continues to process the loss of Vice President Dr. Chilima and the other victims of the crash, the focus must now be on the truth. The findings of the Commission of Inquiry offer a clear explanation of the tragedy and provide a foundation for moving forward with the necessary steps to ensure such incidents are prevented in the future.
Kashoti calls for a collective effort to respect the findings of the Commission and to avoid further propagation of false narratives. It is time for the nation to heal, and that can only happen when truth and integrity are prioritized over sensationalism and deceit.
