The family of the late Vice President Saulos Chilima was reported requesting the Commission of Inquiry for its investigations report following the release of the same last week. The family, which is in possession of autopsy report that has been held under wraps since it was submitted to them from a pathologist whom they engaged, announced its request through the media.
In a significant move toward transparency and respect for the families affected by the recent aircraft tragedy, President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has instructed that each bereaved family receive a hard copy of the independent Commission of Inquiry’s report. The directive was announced during the report’s presentation ceremony at Kamuzu Palace today by the Commission of Inquiry which was chaired by His Lordship Jabbar Alide.
The tragic accident claimed the lives of the late Vice President, Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, and eight other individuals. In light of this profound loss, President Chakwera emphasized the need for the bereaved families to be among the first to receive the detailed findings of the Commission’s investigation. “I wish to direct that a hard copy of this report be delivered to each of the bereaved families who lost loved ones in that plane crash,” he stated.
The initiative aims not only to provide clarity and comprehensive insights into the events surrounding the tragedy but also to acknowledge the families’ enduring grief and the importance of their right to information.
During his address, Chakwera articulated his understanding of the sensitive nature of the report and the trauma associated with it. By prioritizing the delivery of the report to families before it is made public, the President is facilitating a moment of reflection and understanding for those most directly impacted by the loss.
He added that the families would have the weekend to process the information contained in the report before it is published in various languages. This approach fosters a sense of dignity and respect, recognizing the complexities of navigating grief while confronting the findings of an independent inquiry.
The report, which was read publicly for nearly five hours before the President’s address, has been characterized as a thorough investigation into a politically sensitive incident. The Commission spent substantial time gathering testimonies from approximately 130 witnesses, ensuring that the final document reflects an accurate and balanced narrative of the tragic events. In directing the Commission to share their findings first with the bereaved families, Chakwera acknowledged the need for sensitivity while reinforcing a culture of transparency within government proceedings
This commitment to keeping bereaved families informed underscores the administration’s emphasis on accountability and open dialogue between the government and its citizens. Following the distribution of reports to the families, Chakwera further indicated that the public could expect access to the findings in several local languages, enhancing outreach and understanding among the broader Malawian populace.
The Commission of Inquiry was comprised of the following:
- His Lordship Jabbar Alide – Chairperson
- Monsignor Dr. Patrick Thawale – Commissioner
- Bishop Mary Nkosi – Commissioner
- Sunduzwayo Madise – Commissioner
- Justin Mkandawire – Commissioner
- Brigadier Cosgrove Mituka – Commissioner
- Emma Kaliya – Commissioner
- Inkosi ya Makhosi M’mbelwa V – Commissioner
- Senior Chief Makwangwala – Commissioner
- Dixie Kwatani – Commissioner
- Professor Nyengo Mkandawire – Commissioner
- Senior Counsel Alan Chinula – Commissioner
- Esther Chioko – Commissioner
- Nimia Kambiri Mzembe – Commissioner
- Lydia Chiotha – Commissioner
- Ruth Mwandira – Commissioner
- Mirriam Wemba – Commissioner
- Chizaso Nyirongo – Secretary
- His Worship Paul Chiotha – Secretary
