Malawi Vice President confirmed dead in plane crash

Malawi’s Vice-President Saulos Chilima has been confirmed dead after the wreck of a military plane was found in Chikangawa Forest with no survivors. The military aircraft disappeared from radar in the morning June 10 while flying in bad weather.

President Chakwera confirmed the tragic news on Tuesday, stating the Malawi Defence Force Commander had informed him that the search and rescue operation had concluded with the discovery of the plane in Chikangawa Forest. The aircraft was found completely destroyed.

Former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri also on board

“I am deeply saddened and sorry to inform Malawians of this terrible tragedy,” President Chakwera said, paying tribute to Dr. Chilima as “a good man, devoted father, and formidable VP.” Dr. Chilima, 51, had been Vice-President since 2014.

The plane, carrying Dr. Chilima and nine others, was en route from Lilongwe to Mzuzu but was turned back due to poor visibility. The Vice-President was traveling to represent the government at the burial of former government minister Ralph Kasambara. Among the passengers was former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri.