HRDC urges probe in to VP’s plane crash

Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has called for investigations into the plane crash that claimed the life of Vice-President Saulos Chilima and eight others.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by HRDC chairperson Gift Trapence, the coalition said the deaths of Chilima and others is a big loss to the nation and there is need for an immediate and thorough investigation.

HRDC said Chilima was a dedicated public servant who devoted his life to the people of Malawi, adding that he was instrumental in advancing the rights of marginalised communities and promoting democratic values of the country.

Reads the statement in part: “Today is a dark and sorrowful day for Malawi. We pray that the souls of our fellow countrymen and women rest in eternal peace.

“May the legacy of Vice-President Dr. Chilima continue to inspire us all to serve our country with unwavering loyalty, commitment and patriotism.”

HRDC also sympathised with Chilima’s family and those of the eight others that died in the plane crash.

Minister of Information and Digitisation Moses Kunkuyu did not pick our calls to comment on calls for investigations.

However, President Lazarus Chakwera, in his national address announcing the deaths on Tuesday, said “something terrible went wrong with the plane” on its way back to Lilongwe, leading to the crash that killed everyone on board.

He said the accident has left everyone devastated and raised questions whose answers cannot take away the pain and helplessness that Malawians feel.

Leader of Opposition in Parliament George Chaponda has since expressed sadness with the death of Chilima and the other eight.

In a message of condolence to the nation, Chilima’s family and Chakwera, Chaponda said he is praying for the fallen Veep’s family, colleagues and friends.

“The Leader of the Opposition offers heartfelt condolences to the nation, the Chilima family, and His Excellency President Lazarus Chakwera on the tragic loss of Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima,” reads the statement.

Chilima and others were on their way to Mzuzu for the funeral of former Minister of Justice Ralph Kasambara who was buried in Nkhata Bay.

However, the plane they were travelling in did not land in Mzuzu. It was expected to land around 10am on Monday, but it was later reported missing. The aircraft was found on Tuesday in Viphya Highlands in Mzimba where bodies of the nine were retrieved.