An aircraft transporting Malawi’s Vice-President Saulos Chilima and nine other individuals has been reported missing, according to a statement issued by the president’s office. The Malawi Defence Force aircraft reportedly “went off the radar” shortly after departing from the capital city, Lilongwe, on Monday morning.
The aircraft was scheduled to land at Mzuzu International Airport, located in the northern region of the country, shortly after 10:00 local time (09:00 BST). However, it failed to arrive at the designated time.
In an address delivered late Monday, President Lazarus Chakwera announced that a search and rescue operation is actively underway. “Soldiers are still on the ground carrying out the search and I have given strict orders that the operation should continue until the plane is found,” President Chakwera stated. He described the situation as “heartbreaking.”
President Chakwera expressed his deep concern, stating, “I know that we are all frightened and concerned – I too am concerned. But I want to assure you that I am sparing no available resource to find that plane and I am holding onto every fibre of hope that we will find survivors.”
Due to the incident, President Chakwera cancelled his scheduled flight to the Bahamas, which was set for Monday evening. The reason behind the aircraft’s disappearance remains unknown at this time, as confirmed by General Valentino Phiri to President Chakwera. Additionally, Moses Kunkuyu, Malawi’s Minister of Information, informed the BBC that efforts to locate the aircraft are “intensive.”
Vice-President Chilima was en route to represent the government at the funeral of former cabinet minister Ralph Kasambara, who passed away three days ago. Minister Kunkuyu explained, “The airport he was to land at, which is in the northern part of Mzuzu, was the closest to where the funeral was taking place.”
It is worth noting that in 2022, Dr. Chilima was arrested and charged with allegations of accepting money in exchange for awarding government contracts. Last month, the court dismissed these charges without providing reasons for the decision.
The ongoing search and rescue efforts highlight the seriousness of the situation, and the nation remains hopeful for a positive outcome.