By Halimah Olamide
The wreck of the aircraft conveying Malawi’s Vice-president, Saulos Chilima, has been found with no survivors.
The Malawai President, Lazarus Chakwera disclosed this on Tuesday, following report from the Malawi Defence Force commander stating that the search and rescue operation has been completed and the plane was found.
Recall that NPO reported that Chilima and nine others were flying within the country on Monday morning when the aircraft disappeared from airport radars.
Mr Chakwera said he was “deeply saddened and sorry” to inform Malawians of the terrible tragedy.
He said the rescue team found the aircraft completely destroyed.
Mr Chakwera paid tribute to Dr Chilima, describing him as “a good man”, “devoted father” and “formidable VP”.
“I consider it one of the great honours of my life to have had him as a deputy and as a counsellor,” he added.
Dr Chilima, 51, was on his way to represent the government at the burial of former government minister Ralph Kasambara, who died four days ago.
Former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri was also on the flight, which took off from the capital, Lilongwe, on Monday morning.
The plane was bound to land at the airport in the northern city of Mzuzu.
The military is transporting the remains of Dr Chiima and the other victims to Lilongwe, the president said, adding that funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.