‘Avoid speculations, conspiracy theories while mourning’

The Public Affairs Committee (PAC) and civil society leaders have asked Malawians to avoid speculating and spreading conspiracy theories relating to the plane crash that claimed the lives of Vice-President Saulos Chilima and eight others on Monday.

The quasi-religious grouping, PAC and governance commentator Undule Mwakasungula made the sentiments in separate messages amid speculations circulating on numerous social media platforms relating to the plane crash.

In its message co-signed by chairperson Monsignor Patrick Thawale and spokesperson Bishop Gilford Matonga, PAC states that it is important for Malawians to mourn peacefully.

Part of the message reads: “PAC wishes to call upon all Malawians to maintain peace and tranquillity and avoid speculations, including pointing fingers at each other. Peace and unity remains the treasure Malawi holds in its store.

“In this time of sorrow, PAC would like to urge all Malawians to mourn our beloved ones peacefully and in unity”.

PAC’s message described the late Chilima as a dynamic leader whose leadership style and accomplishments will remain a lasting legacy for all Malawians, including his UTM Party which he founded in 2018.

“We cannot find words strong enough to express our shock at this tragedy. Tears will dry, but memories will live forever,” further reads the message.

Mwakasungula said in the wake of the tragedy, people ought to refrain from unnecessary speculations and baseless accusations.

He said spreading unverified information and conspiracy theories only serves to deepen the country’s wounds and hinder the healing process.

“Our focus should be on promoting national healing and unity regardless of our political or religious affiliations and personal differences. Our earnest prayer, therefore, must be for us to emerge from this tragedy stronger and more united.

“In these moments of sorrow, let us be guided by the words of comfort from God seeking solace as we mourn and heal. May God help us heal and move forward as a nation, united in our sorrow,” said Mwakasungula in his message.

He further stated that in honouring the late Chilima and eight others, unity and solidarity will be the truest form of respect.

Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) called for a stop to the spreading of baseless allegations.

In its statement, HRCC chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba and board member Desmond Mhango urged the country to accord Chilima a dignified burial scheduled for tomorrow in Nsipe, Ntcheu District.

It reads in part: “HRCC finds it absurd that merely four days after the crash some overzealous individuals have already conducted investigations and pronounced judgement on their so-called culprits.

“[This is] before even the Malawi Defence Force  or our development/bilateral partners, who have been asked to help with investigations, have done so.”

HRCC queried demands by UTM Prty members that Defence Minister Harry Mkandawire and Minister of Homeland Security Ken Zikhale Ng’oma should not attend Chilima’s burial.

It finds these calls as grave allegations, divisive, damaging, unacceptable and condemns them as they can cause chaos and violence in an already heartbroken society.

Meanwhile, the United States (US) Government on Friday offered its condolences to President Lazarus Chakwera.

According to the State House Press Office, the condolence message was conveyed through US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, who said Americans are in solidarity with Malawians in the tragedy.