The wreckage of a plane carrying Malawi’s Vice-President Saulos Chilima has been found with no survivors, President Lazarus Chakwera confirmed in a news briefing. The military aircraft, which went missing on Monday morning, was discovered in Chikangawa Forest after an extensive overnight search by soldiers.
Vice-President Chilima, along with nine other passengers, was on a domestic flight that disappeared from airport radars in bad weather conditions. The plane was initially flying from the capital, Lilongwe, to Mzuzu but was turned back due to poor visibility.
President Chakwera expressed his profound sorrow, stating, “I am deeply saddened and sorry to inform Malawians of this terrible tragedy.” He added that the rescue team found the aircraft completely destroyed and there were no survivors.
The vice-president, who was 51, had been traveling to represent the government at the burial of former government minister Ralph Kasambara. Among the passengers was former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri. The tragic accident has deeply affected the nation, with many mourning the loss of Chilima, who was widely loved, particularly among the youth.
Dr. Chilima had served as vice-president since 2014 and was known for his dedication to the country. President Chakwera, who teamed up with Chilima during the 2020 elections despite being from different parties, described him as “a good man,” “devoted father,” and “formidable VP.” “I consider it one of the great honors of my life to have had him as a deputy and as a counselor,” Chakwera added.
In 2022, Chilima faced allegations of accepting money in exchange for awarding government contracts. He denied any wrongdoing, and the charges were dropped last month without explanation.
The military is currently transporting the remains of Dr. Chilima and the other victims to Lilongwe, with funeral arrangements to be announced in due course. Dr. Chilima is survived by his wife, Mary, and two children, Sean and Elizabeth.