Malawi VP dies in plane crash

President Lazarus Chakwera has announced the death of Malawi’s Vice President, Saulos Chilima.

In a televised address, Chakwera announced that the plane carrying Chilima and nine others crashed in Chikangawa Forest. The military aircraft went missing on Monday morning after failing to land at Mzuzu Airport due to bad weather.

The wreckage was discovered on Tuesday morning, with no survivors. Apart from several military officials, former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri was also on the flight.

Addressing the nation, Chakwera described Chilima as “a good man,” “devoted father,” and “formidable VP.” “I consider it one of the great honors of my life to have had him as a deputy and as a counselor,” he added.

Malawians have taken to social media to express their shock and share stories of the times they interacted with the late VP. Chilima changed Malawi’s political landscape and inspired young people to vote and even join politics.

The 51-year-old is survived by his wife, Mary, and two children, Sean and Elizabeth.