Tragedy struck Malawi as President Lazarus Chakwera announced in a somber address on Tuesday that the airplane carrying Vice President Saulos Chilima, which went missing on Monday, has been confirmed to have crashed with no survivors. The heartbreaking news has plunged the nation into mourning.
President Chakwera, visibly moved, addressed the nation, confirming that everyone on board the ill-fated flight had perished. The loss of Vice President Chilima, along with other passengers, is a devastating blow to the country.
“The entire nation is grieving this unimaginable loss,” President Chakwera stated. “Vice President Chilima was a dedicated public servant and his passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt across Malawi.”
The aircraft, which disappeared from radar on Monday, was the subject of an intensive search operation. Despite hopes for a miraculous outcome, the wreckage was eventually found, confirming the worst fears.
Details about the cause of the crash have not yet been released, and an investigation is underway to determine what led to this tragic event.
As Malawi comes to terms with this national tragedy, the government has pledged to support the families of the victims and to provide them with the necessary assistance during this difficult time.
“We stand together as a nation in this moment of profound sorrow,” President Chakwera said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of all those who lost their lives.”
The loss of Vice President Chilima and the others on board is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of fate. As the country mourns, the legacy of those lost will undoubtedly continue to inspire and influence Malawi’s future.
On June 10, 2024, a Malawi Defence Force aircraft carrying Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima and nine others failed to land at Mzuzu International Airport as scheduled. The aircraft had departed from Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi, at 9:17 am and was expected to arrive at 10:02 am. Due to severe weather conditions, the plane attempted to return to Lilongwe without landing. Shortly after, contact with air traffic control was lost, and the aircraft vanished from radar.
The small, propeller-driven plane, a Dornier 228 operated by the Malawian armed forces, had seven passengers and three military crew members onboard. President Lazarus Chakwera confirmed the tragic news, noting that the plane, identified by its tail number, was delivered to the Malawian army in 1988. This information was corroborated by ch-aviation, a website that tracks aircraft data, as reported by the Associated Press.
Telecommunications towers pinpointed the last known location of the aircraft carrying Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima to a 10-kilometer radius within a plantation, which then became the center of the search and rescue efforts.
Around 600 personnel were deployed to search the extensive forest plantation in the Viphya Mountains near Mzuzu. Addressing the nation on state television, President Lazarus Chakwera conveyed his deep concern and determination: “I understand the fear and heartbreak this situation brings. I share your concerns. I want to reassure you that we are utilizing every resource available to locate the plane. I am holding onto every hope that we will find survivors.” Despite international assistance from the US, UK, Norway, and Israel, the search ended in tragedy. A press release from the Office of the President and Cabinet confirmed: “The aircraft, which was carrying Vice President, the Right Honourable Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, and nine others, was discovered this morning in the Chikangawa forest. Regrettably, there are no survivors.”
The doomed flight included not only Chilima but also prominent individuals such as former first lady Shanil Dzimbiri.
Born on February 12, 1973, Saulos Klaus Chilima was a notable Malawian politician and business executive. Before venturing into politics, Chilima enjoyed a distinguished career in the private sector, holding senior roles at companies such as Unilever, Coca-Cola, and Airtel Malawi. He entered the political arena and became Vice President in June 2020, following a successful campaign alongside Lazarus Chakwera, as noted on the Malawian government’s website.
Chilima earned a Ph.D. in Knowledge Management from the University of Bolton in the UK in August 2015. Known for his dedication to public service and development, he was a committed Roman Catholic, married to Mary Chibambo, with whom he had two children, Sean and Elizabeth.
Throughout his political career, Chilima was dedicated to transforming Malawi. As Vice President, he played a key role in numerous developmental projects and policy reforms aimed at enhancing the well-being of Malawians.