Malawi/Tragedy: Malawian Vice-President Saulos Chilima Found Dead after plane crash

The aircraft carrying Malawi’s Vice President Saulos Chilima, from the southern African nation, had been missing since Monday, June 10, 2024. After intense search efforts, the wreckage of the military plane was discovered on Tuesday, June 11, in the northeastern part of the country, with Vice President Chilima found deceased.

Reports indicate that search and rescue teams located the completely destroyed aircraft with no survivors; all passengers were killed instantly.

The vice president was en route to a funeral when the plane, departing from the capital Lilongwe, was unable to land in Mzuzu due to bad weather.

It was instructed to turn back before disappearing from radar, according to the Malawian presidency.

Among the passengers was former First Lady of Malawi, Shanil Dzimbiri (Muluzi).

Saulos Chilima, 51, a charismatic political figure known for his stern rhetoric, was first elected vice president in 2014 alongside former President Peter Mutharika.

He enjoyed significant popularity in Malawi, particularly among the youth.

As of now, the cause of the plane’s disappearance remains unknown, stated General Valentino Phiri to President Lazarus Chakwera.