In a responsive gesture toward uncovering the circumstances surrounding the tragic aircraft accident involving the Malawi Defence Force Dornier 228 (MAF-T03) on June 10, 2024, which claimed the lives of Rt Hon. Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima and eight others, President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has established a Commission of Inquiry.
This inquiry is seen as pivotal in addressing public concern and ensuring accountability for the fatal incident. The commission, conveyed by the President under the Commission of Inquiries Act, comprises a diverse and multifaceted group of individuals, representing a wide array of backgrounds, expertise, and community perspectives, emphasizing inclusivity in this important national undertaking.
A Diverse Panel
At the helm of the Commission is His Lordship Jabbar Alide, a High Court judge who is to serve as the Commission’s Chairperson. He is joined by a commendable team that includes Monsignor Dr. Patrick Thawale, who recently received the title of Monsignor from Pope Francis, reflecting his esteemed status within the Catholic Church. The late Dr. Chilima, a devout Catholic, served as a guiding light for many in the church, and his untimely death, alongside his advisor Shanil Dzimbiri, underscores the loss within the catholic community.
The commission also features influential traditional and religious leaders, including Senior Chief Makwangwala, a significant figure in the Ntcheu District, where Chilima hailed from. Pastor Tony Y. Nyirenda, representing the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, adds another layer of religious representation in the inquiry which relates to tragic loss of nine different people belonging to different religious societies.
In addition, the commission is enriched by the academic experience of Bishop Mary Nkosi, Chancellor of Marble Hill University and a former Deputy Governor at the Reserve Bank of Malawi, and Dr. Sunduzwayo Madise, the first Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Malawi (UNIMA). The Commission also includes Inkosi ya Makhosi M’mbelwa V, the reigning King of the Ngoni and Tumbuka people, serving across Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania. His kingdom headquarters is in Mzimba where the plane crash occurred.
A Blend of Activism and Governance
The panel also includes seasoned political figures, such as Mr. Sylvester Namiwa, a former State House Press Officer and current executive director of the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI). His journey from press officer to active activism highlights his evolving political temperament and brings representational political insight to the inquiry.
The inquiry’s formation resonates deeply with the Malawian public, as it features individuals from various religious, cultural, social and political spheres. This diverse representation is crucial for fostering transparency and restoring public trust in the investigation process.
Next Steps and Public Engagement
Commissioners will be required to take an oath in a ceremonial event at Kamuzu Palace on October 28, 2024, marking the official commencement of their duties. The commission is mandated to submit its findings and recommendations to President Chakwera by November 30, 2024.
