Leave plane crash probe to experts—Kyungu
Paramount Chief Kyungu of Chitipa and Karonga districts says events surrounding the plane crash that killed Vice-President Saulos Chilima and eight others must be left in the hands of aviation accident investigators.
He made the remarks yesterday at Mzuzu State Lodge on the sidelines of a meeting with President Lazarus Chakwera, saying accidents happen and it is not the first time a plane has crashed.
He said: “It is only in Malawi that a plane has crashed for the first time. Former secretary general of the United Nations Dag Hjalmar Agne Carl Hammarskjöld died in a plane crash in Ndola, Zambia.
“The former Iranian President died in a plane crash. The Kenyan defence chief died in a crash. Tanzania lost about four or three ministers during the 1960s in a plane crash. Let us leave it in the hands of experts. God knows, experts know.”
Earlier during the meeting, Kyungu cautioned the President against responding to insults from members of the public in relation to the plane crash.
Speaking on behalf of chiefs from Karonga and Chitipa, he said since June 10 2024, Chakwera has been subjected to unnecessary insults which suggest moral decay and described the situation as unfortunate.
Kyungu said the President was also subjected to insults during the funeral ceremony for the former Veep at Bingu National Stadium (BNS) in Lilongwe in the presence of foreign leaders and thanked Chakwera for not taking revenge.
But he wondered why the Malawi Police Service is on rampage, arresting alleged alleged instigants of insults on social media.
He said: “No one has the right to insult anybody. This country has freedom of expression and freedom of association. The President has not stopped anyone from talking.
“But talk or criticise responsibility not belittling the head of State.
“It is not Malawian and a sign of moral decay.”
During the meeting, Kyungu and other chiefs from Rumphi and Nkhata Bay districts also took turns to console Chakwera.
In response, Chakwera said when a funeral befalls a village, a lot is spoken as people examine the cause and effect of the incident.
“When hope is gone, people turn to destruction. People even question who sent a mosquito to bite a child that has died of malaria. Our understanding is limited. God has the final say.
“I believe in the Bible. God is our source of all knowledge. I do not know everything and in my ignorance, I do not want to sin before God. I have received the condolences. Thank you,” he said.
In the aftermath of the plane crash, President Chakwera came under the spotlight over his remarks regarding insults amid arrests of critics.
The President, whose speech was often interrupted by a chorus of boos, said he accepted the insults as a parent and stated that no-one should suffer for their sentiments during the time of grief.
