MALAWIAN President Lazarus Chakwera has described his late Vice President Saulos Chilima as a good man who was devoted as a father and husband and a patriotic citizen who served his country with distinction.
The plane carrying Saulos Chilima and nine others disappeared from airport radars yesterday and was found this morning in Chikangawa forest completely destroyed with no survivors.
Addressing Malawaians this afternoon, President Chakwera stated that he considered it to be one of the greatest honours of his life to have had Chilima as his deputy and counsellor for the past four years.
“His passing is a terrible loss to his wife Marie and his family and friends, colleagues in cabinet, to all of us as a nation,” cried Chakwera.
The president of Malawi disclosed that the passing has left him and many others with questions whose answers cannot take away the pain.
“Words cannot describe how heartbreaking this is, I can only imagine how much pain and anguish you must be feeling this time as we mourn this terrible loss. We feel helpless because we know it could have been anyone of us,” he reiterated.
Chakwera added that the aircraft in question was the one he would use on similar trips noting that it was sad to learn of the tragedy despite the track record of the aircraft and experience of the crew.
He shared that the country is in the process of bringing the remains to Lilongwe and funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
Others that have lost their lives in the plane crush include former first lady Shanil Dzimbiri, Flora Ngwirinji, Lukas Kapheni, Chisomo Chimaneni, Gloria Mtukule, Dan Kanyemba, Abdul Lapukeni, Major Adini and Colonel Sambalopa.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, June 11, 2024
