Malawi’s vice president Saulos Chilima, nine others die in plane crash
TLDR
- Malawi Vice President Saulos Chilima and 9 others die in a tragic plane crash near Mzuzu International Airport.
- President Chakwera confirms wreckage found after failed landing attempt in Lilongwe.
- Search and rescue operation concludes with the discovery of the plane carrying the vice president and passengers.
The Vice President of Malawi, Saulos Chilima, and nine other passengers have died in a plane crash, President Lazarus Chakwera announced on Tuesday.
The aircraft went missing after failing to land at Mzuzu International Airport, located about 380 km (240 miles) north of the capital, Lilongwe. President Chakwera confirmed the wreckage of the plane had been found.
“The search and rescue operation I ordered to find the missing plane that carried our vice president and nine others has been completed. The plane has been found. And I am deeply saddened and sorry to inform you that it has turned out to be a terrible tragedy,” Chakwera stated.
Key Takeaways
Chilima, 51, had been seen as a potential contender for next year's presidential election in Malawi. A somewhat controversial figure, he was arrested in 2022 on graft allegations, and accused of receiving kickbacks from a businessman in exchange for government contracts. Chilima consistently denied the charges. The national prosecutor dropped the charges last month, filing a notice for the discontinuation of the case.
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