News: Fatshimétrie honors the memory of Vice President Saulos Chilima following a tragic plane crash in Malawi
The people of Malawi are in mourning following the tragic death of Vice President Saulos Chilima in a plane crash this week. Accompanied by eight other passengers, including former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri, Chilima lost his life when the military plane he was traveling in crashed in a mountainous region in the north of the country.
President Lazarus Chakwera declared 21 days of national mourning in tribute to the victims of this tragedy. Flags will be flown at half-mast throughout the country during this period of mourning, marking respect and recognition for these tragically deceased figures.
A ministerial commission has been set up to organize the official funeral of Vice President Chilima. Preparations are underway, although the date of the ceremony has not yet been publicly announced.
According to authorities, the plane was carrying nine people in total, including six passengers and three crew members, all of whom died instantly during the crash. The accident occurred in difficult weather conditions, with the pilot advised by air traffic controllers not to land at Mzuzu due to bad weather and poor visibility. Despite this recommendation, the plane disappeared from radar while trying to return to the capital, Lilongwe.
The search lasted more than 24 hours before the wreckage was found in a forest plantation south of Mzuzu. The bodies of the victims were repatriated to Lilongwe by helicopter, where a welcome ceremony was held in the presence of President Chakwera, the First Lady and the widow of Vice President Chilima.
This tragedy deeply moved the Malawian nation, reminding us of the fragility of life and the importance of paying tribute to public figures who served their country with dedication and commitment. Fatshimétrie joins the grieving nation to honor the memory of Vice President Saulos Chilima and all those who lost their lives in this plane crash, expressing our respect and compassion towards their families and loved ones.