Wednesday, December 17, 2025
No menu items!
spot_img
Home Blog Page 832

Chilima family calls for transparency in inquiry into June 10 plane crash

247Malawi
-
0
Chilima family calls for transparency in inquiry into June 10 plane crash



By Burnett Munthali

The family of late Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, who tragically perished in the June 10, 2024, plane crash in Chikangawa Forest, has called for full transparency during the inquiry into the accident. This comes after President Lazarus Chakwera instituted a commission of inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, which also claimed the lives of eight others.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Joshua Valera expressed gratitude for the establishment of the inquiry but emphasized the need for the process to be open and transparent. Valera stated that the family’s wish is for the media to be allowed to cover the inquiry live, ensuring that the Malawian public has full access to the proceedings.

The late Saulos Chilima



“We commend President Chakwera for taking the necessary step to form this commission of inquiry. However, we believe that transparency will only be achieved if the media is given access to broadcast the inquiry live. The people of Malawi deserve to know what happened,” Valera said.

Concerns About Inclusivity

While the formation of the commission has been welcomed by many, concerns have been raised regarding its inclusivity. UTM senior party member Newton Kambala has voiced his reservations about the composition of the commission, arguing that it lacks representation from opposition political parties. Kambala expressed fear that this could compromise the commission’s independence and transparency.

“The exclusion of opposition voices from the commission raises questions about its objectivity. For a matter of this magnitude, it is essential to have diverse perspectives. Without representation from key political parties, the commission’s findings might not be fully trusted,” Kambala noted.

Political Expert Weighs In

Despite the concerns, political expert George Chaima has expressed optimism about the inquiry. He acknowledged the delay in establishing the commission, which came months after the crash, but believes that it will still be crucial in addressing the many questions surrounding the death of Vice President Chilima and the others on board.

“It is understandable that there are concerns about the timing and composition of the commission, but it is better late than never. The inquiry has the potential to provide clarity and accountability in the tragic incident that shook the nation. We must give the process a chance to uncover the truth,” Chaima remarked.

Public Demand for Accountability

The June 10 plane crash remains one of the most significant tragedies in Malawi’s recent history, sparking widespread speculation and demands for answers. As the inquiry begins its work, there is a strong desire from the public and key stakeholders to ensure that the process is conducted with the highest degree of integrity and openness.

For the Chilima family and the Malawian people, the hope is that this inquiry will not only provide answers but also serve as a moment of accountability for those involved in the tragic events of that fateful day.

Monica Saidi Mataka donates maize flour to Machinga residents

247Malawi
-
0
Monica Saidi Mataka donates maize flour to Machinga residents

By Linda Kwanjana


A Lilongwe based business woman , Monica Saidi Mataka, has donated maize flour in his area as one way of helping people who are suffering from food shortages following the natural weather patterns that have been hitting the country.

Speaking during the ceremony,  Monica Saidi she decided to make such a donation after hearing reports of hunger.

Monica Saidi Mataka

Monica has since appealed to other well and meaningful Malawians to do the same.

“We do have people out there who do have surplus maize. Let me urge them to come to Machinga and help these people to access the very basic food supplies,” she said.

During the function , Machinga chiefs hailed Monica Saidi for feeding the hungry people in the district.

Traditional Authority in the area , Saidi Mataka commended Monica for assistance.

A beneficiary in the area Zainab Mandala commended Monica for the swift response in the time of calamities.

This is not the first time for Monica to help people in her area since Monica has been coming frequently to help people suffering from food shortages.

Speaking during the function, Councillor Simplex   Diwa commended Monica for the food assistance, saying she should not stop there but to continue.

Diwa, who is also the Machinga  Council chair, urged other people to do likewise and serve people.

Undule hails President Chakwera for setting up commission of inquiry over plane crash

247Malawi
-
0
Undule hails President Chakwera for setting up commission of inquiry over plane crash


By Linda Kwanjana

Governance and Human Rights Advocate Undule Mwakasungula applauds President Lazarus Chakwera for fulfilling his promise to establish Commission of Inquiry into Malawi Defense Force Aircraft MAF-T03 accident that claimed the lives of former Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others.

In a statement released on 26th October, 2024 Mwakasungula said President Chakwera assured the nation that such a body would be set up to investigate the matter in question and now despite the delays, he has honoured that promise.



“While it is understandable that as a nation we were growing impatient, it is important to recognize that the President has now delivered on this important task,” he said.

He further said this is a sign of commitment to transparency and accountability, even though some Malawians may have doubted the process due to the delays.

Mwakasungula also commends how President Chakwera has set up the Commission saying the members chosen are credible individuals with track records in their respective fields.

Exceptionally, Mwakasungula mentioned of human rights activists Sylvester Namiwa’s inclusion into the Commission highlighting that Namiwa has been most vocal critics regarding the delay in setting up the Commission adding it is now a great opportunity for him to present any information he may have gathered concerning the aircraft tragedy.

He has since encouraged public participation in the inquiry as many people expressed views and claims to have information regarding the incident.

He therefore admit that his hopes are that President Chakwera will take on board recommendations from this Commission accordingly.

Mwakasungula also hopes that recommendations of the Commission will provide both clarity as well as serving as a tool for healing and unity of this nation.

Bullets wins Blantyre derby, Beat Wanderers 2-1 at Kamuzu Stadium

247Malawi
-
0
Bullets wins Blantyre derby, Beat Wanderers 2-1 at Kamuzu Stadium



By McLloyd Kudzingo

Two first half goals from Ronald Chitiyo and Babatunde Adepoju were enough to give FCB Nyasa Big Bullets a 2-1 win over Blantyre derby rivals Mighty Mukuru Wanderers in a TNM Super League match played at the Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Bullets were the more aggressive team early on and created the first chance in the fifth minute through Wongani Lungu but it was well defended by the Nomads.

Two minutes later Chitiyo opened the scoring for the People’s team with a brilliant finish inside the penalty box after receiving an assist from Nixon Nyasulu.

Babatunde Adepoju after the second goal. Photo Credit: Bullets Media team



Later on Wanderers started dominating possession but Bullets defence proved to be two good for the Nomads’ attackers.

Maxwell Phodo had a chance to increase the for the People’s team in the 23rd minute but his shot was beautifully saved by Wanderers’ goalkeeper William Thole.

Babatunde Adepoju doubled the lead for the People’s team in the 40th with a simple tap-in after receiving a pass from Wongani Lungu.

In the second half, Wanderers substituted the experienced legs of Isaac Kaliati and Stanley Sanudi for Gaddie Chirwa and Francisco Madinga and later on Bullets brought in Lloyd Aaron and Stanley Billiati for Wongani Lungu and Ronald Chitiyo.

The Nomads also substituted Felix Zulu and Wallace Adam  for Balikihno Mwakanyangu and  Clement Nyondo in the 72nd minute.

Ronald Chitiyo after the first goal. Photo Credit: Bullets Media team



Wanderers captain Lawrence Chaziya was shown a yellow card in the 83rd minute after making a deliberate handball before protesting by pushing  referee David Chinoko who later flashed a red card for the Nomads to finish with ten men.

Thierry Tajong Samar pulled one back for the Nomads in the 87th minute after a communication breakdown between defender Gomezgani Chirwa and goalkeeper Richard Chimbamba.

Wanderers continued to search for an equaliser and substitute Clement Nyondo almost registered his name on the score-sheet but goalkeeper Chimbamba made a crucial save to ensure victory for the defending champions.

After the match, Bullets player Chrispin Mapemba was voted man of the match.

Elsewhere, it ended 2-all between Chitipa United and Dedza Dynamos at Karonga Stadium as the Mzuzu derby between Moyale Barracks and Mzuzu City Hammers ended goalless.

Silver Strikers who are playing City-rivals, Civil Service United on Sunday remain top on the log table with 50 points followed by Wanderers who are perched on second position with 44 points.

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets are now third on the log table with 40 points, four points behind Wanderers and both teams have so far played 23 games.

Man of the match Chrispin Mapemba

Malawi Human Rights Commission Condemns Police Arrest Practices

247Malawi
-
0
Malawi Human Rights Commission Condemns Police Arrest Practices

By Burnett Munthali

On Friday 25 October 2024, the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) delivered a pointed criticism of what it described as unconstitutional and unlawful practices by the Malawi Police Service (MPS) in handling arrests. The MHRC expressed deep concern over the trend of detaining suspects without gathering adequate evidence and criticized the unlawful seizure of personal property, such as mobile phones, without a court order.

Peter Chisi, the MHRC’s Director of Political Affairs and Civil Rights, emphasized the need for law enforcement to operate within the bounds of the Constitution, noting that arbitrary seizure of personal belongings, such as phones, is not only intrusive but also illegal without proper judicial authorization. “It is unconstitutional to grab someone’s phone without court orders,” Chisi stated, underscoring the critical importance of respecting due process.

Chisi further expressed dismay at the police’s failure to comply with the legal requirement to present suspects in court within 48 hours, as outlined in the Constitution. Detaining individuals beyond this period without court appearances is a violation of their right to due process and fair treatment. “It is mindboggling to see police failing to take suspects to court within the stipulated legal timelines,” Chisi added, stressing that such actions amount to serious human rights violations.

The MHRC has shown its commitment to addressing these concerns by visiting the police station in Area 3, where suspect Kaliati is currently being held. This on-site visit underscores the Commission’s determination to ensure that the rights of detained individuals are not infringed upon and that proper legal protocols are observed.

In addition to visiting Kaliati, the MHRC has pledged to engage Kaliati’s legal team, offering support to ensure that the suspect’s rights are upheld. By working directly with the defense team, the MHRC hopes to expedite the legal process and address any grievances arising from the police’s conduct.

This intervention by the MHRC highlights a growing need for the MPS to reassess its arrest procedures to align with the principles of justice and the Constitution. Arbitrary arrests and delays in presenting suspects in court undermine public trust in the legal system and raise concerns over the protection of civil rights in Malawi.

The MHRC’s active role in advocating for due process is a reminder of the importance of upholding constitutional rights and ensuring that justice is served fairly and transparently for all Malawians.

1...831832833...2,168Page 832 of 2,168

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

ABOUT US

True and well researched news covering key issues in Malawi and abroad

Contact us: info@247malawi.com

FOLLOW US

© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv