The wreckage of the plane carrying Malawi’s Vice-President, Saulos Chilima, has been found with no survivors, President Lazarus Chakwera announced on Tuesday. The crash, which claimed the lives of 10 people, including former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri, occurred in a mountainous region near the northern city of Mzuzu.
The plane, a small military aircraft, disappeared from airport radars on Monday morning amid bad weather conditions. After more than a day of intensive searching in the dense forests and rugged terrain of Chikangawa Forest, the Malawi Defence Force located the wreckage, confirming that all on board had perished.
A Nation in Mourning
In a live address on state television, President Chakwera conveyed his deep sorrow over the tragedy, stating, “I am deeply saddened and sorry to inform Malawians of the terrible tragedy.” He added that the rescue team found the aircraft completely destroyed.
Saulos Chilima, who was 51, was serving his second term as Vice-President and was widely respected across the nation. He and President Chakwera, from different political parties, formed an alliance during the 2020 elections. Chakwera praised Chilima as “a good man,” “devoted father,” and “formidable VP.” He reflected, “I consider it one of the great honours of my life to have had him as a deputy and as a counsellor.”
The flight was intended to transport the group to Mzuzu to attend the funeral of former government minister Ralph Kasambara, who passed away four days prior. However, due to poor visibility, the plane was turned back.
Remembering the Vice-President
Saulos Chilima, with a background in business, had been Vice-President since 2014. He was particularly popular among Malawi’s youth, admired for his dynamic approach and dedication to public service. Despite facing legal challenges in 2022, when he was arrested on charges of accepting money for government contracts—a case that was later dropped—Chilima remained a beloved figure.
Chilima is survived by his wife Mary and their two children, Sean and Elizabeth. His untimely death marks a significant loss for Malawi, both politically and personally, for many who admired and depended on his leadership.
Future Arrangements
The remains of the deceased are being transported to the capital, Lilongwe, where President Chakwera will announce funeral arrangements in due course. The President emphasized that the nation must come together in this time of grief, honoring the memories of those lost in the tragic accident.
