Mary Chilima demands answers on husband’s tragic death

Mary Chilima: expressed her desire for clarity

Mary Chilima, the wife of Malawi’s late Vice President Saulos Chilima, is seeking answers about her husband’s tragic death in a plane crash on June 10, 2024.

The incident, which occurred in the Chikangawa forest, claimed the lives of Saulos Chilima and eight others, sending shockwaves across the nation.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, Mary expressed her desire for clarity on the circumstances surrounding her husband’s death, coinciding with their wedding anniversary on September 29.

She urged concerned parties to demand a commission of inquiry into the events between June 10 and 11.

The plane crash was met with an outpouring of grief, with the UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressing his deep sadness and condolences to the Government and people of Malawi.

The Episcopal Conference of Malawi also joined in mourning, describing the loss as a “terrible tragedy”.

Mary’s demand for a commission of inquiry has received mixed reactions from the public, with some describing it as understandable given the devastating loss she and the nation have suffered.

Commenting on the development, Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) Executive Director, Sylvester Namiwa said Mary’s call is timely and it is in line with what their organization has been calling for.

“There are so many questions that need to be answered. We have questions on the location where the plane had crashed at and time as well,” he said.

“In fact, if the President does not constitute the inquiry within the 14-day period we gave which is coming to and end October 1, we will take our concerns to street.”

However, there has been no immediate reaction from the government regarding Mary’s post.

In June, Minister of Information and Digitalization Moses Kunkuyu stated that the government was committed to conducting a comprehensive and independent inquiry into the plane crash.

This pledge aimed to provide closure and transparency to the families of the victims and the nation.

As Mary Chilima seeks answers, the nation awaits the government’s response to the call for a commission of inquiry.