In a public statement released yesterday following the unveiling of the Jabbar Alide Commission of Inquiry report on December 14, 2024, the UTM has raised concerns regarding the commission’s conclusions about the plane crash investigation that the Commission carried out.
Among the claims made by UTM, the assertion that fatalities occurred prior to the crash has emerged as one of the most contentious points. The party criticized the commission for allegedly failing to offer a credible forensic explanation for these fatalities. UTM has questioned whether adequate injury mapping was conducted to determine if the fatal injuries were consistent with internal collisions within the aircraft. They also urged the commission to clarify if blood evidence was found at the scene and whether there were injuries that were inconsistent with the reported scenarios.
Furthermore, UTM highlighted what it describes as an “inexcusable omission” in the investigation, citing the absence of toxicology tests. According to the party, these tests are crucial for ruling out foul play, including poisoning or exposure to harmful substances in cases of unexplained fatalities. UTM’s statement questioned why toxicology tests were not conducted and how the commission could reach conclusions about causes of death without this critical information.
However, UTM’s criticisms have faced scrutiny, as they completely overlook the fact that the commission incorporated autopsy reports into its findings to explain the causes of death. The autopsy was performed by reputable pathologist Dr. Steve Kamiza, who conducted a thorough examination of Chilima and the other victims.
Chilima’s family, reportedly privy to the autopsy report conducted in July 2024, has remained silent regarding its contents. When approached for comments, a family representative, Ben Chilima, stated that the family would review the report before making any public announcements, raising questions about UTM’s authority to comment on findings of which it has no confirmed knowledge.
Political analysts have expressed concern that UTM’s approach may undermine the serious nature of the inquiry and the grieving process for the victims’ families. The politicization of such a tragic event has drawn criticism from various quarters, with calls for all political parties to maintain a respectful distance from exploiting human suffering for political gain.
