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The wreckage of a plane carrying Malawi’s vice-president, Saulos Chilima, has been found with no survivors, President Lazarus Chakwera announced. The aircraft, carrying nine other passengers, disappeared from radar while flying within the country on Monday morning amid bad weather. Soldiers had been searching the Chikangawa Forest overnight and into the morning.
In a news briefing on Tuesday, President Chakwera confirmed that the search and rescue operation had concluded and the wreckage was located, with the plane completely destroyed. The president expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, paying tribute to Dr. Chilima as “a good man,” “devoted father,” and “formidable VP.” He highlighted the honor he felt working with Chilima as his deputy and counselor.
Dr. Chilima, 51, was en route to represent the government at the burial of former government minister Ralph Kasambara. Among the passengers was former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri. The flight, which departed from the capital, Lilongwe, was initially headed to Mzuzu but was turned back due to poor visibility.
The remains of Dr. Chilima and the other victims are being transported to Lilongwe, with funeral arrangements to be announced soon. Dr. Chilima had served as vice-president since 2014 and was particularly popular among Malawi’s youth. In 2022, he faced allegations of accepting bribes for awarding government contracts, charges he denied. The court dropped these charges last month without providing reasons.
Dr. Chilima is survived by his wife, Mary, and their two children, Sean and Elizabeth.
